HIGHLIGHTS
- Assess access to services that address brain health in ex-serviceman
- Co-design of evaluation approach that can used nationally
- Results are expected in 2021.
The Challenge
Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a particular concern for Australian Defence Force personnel, with 10 percent of those who served in the Middle East reporting symptoms that meet the criteria for a mild traumatic brain injury. People with ABI may experience a range of functional, cognitive, emotional, and behavioural issues. These issues can disrupt their ability to participate effectively in daily life and maintain relationships. The Mending Military Minds pilot program has been introduced in the Townsville area, where an underserviced population of veterans has concerns about their cognitive health.
The Approach
Key objectives are to assess how the program is being delivered, measured by service quality and outcomes, and how to enhance it. Our approach to the evaluation includes several different methods: interviews with and surveys of participating veterans and their families; consultation with referrers into the service; pathway analysis to determine whether new more effective pathways for veterans have been developed; analysis of program data; and interviews with Open Arms staff and the neuropsychologists who deliver the service.
The Results
The project is underway and a final evaluation report is expected in May 2021.