Unmet health care needs over the first 2 years after pediatric traumatic brain injury

Aim

Few studies have addressed how children and adolescents with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) access health care and educational services. This study aimed to investigate the course of symptoms during the first two years after TBI, whether symptoms implied a need for health care and/or educational services, and the extent of unmet needs. The association between unmet needs and health-related quality of life was also explored.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was conducted at Oslo University Hospital, Norway, from 2015 to 2018. Forty-nine patients aged 1–15 years hospitalized due to TBI were included and followed for 24 months. Registration of symptoms and identification of unmet needs was based on clinical assessment, self-reports and interviews with patients and parents during the acute phase and at 6 and 24 months postinjury.

Results

Twenty-five percent of the sample presented with unmet needs at 24 months. Compared to the group with no needs and met needs, these patients reported lasting cognitive and emotional symptoms affecting school and social interaction and scored lower on health-related quality of life.

Conclusion

Pediatric patients with TBI may have long-term symptom burden affecting school and social functioning, leading to unmet needs if targeted services are not provided.