Advancing Scientific Understanding of Moderate to Severe Brain Injury
The Spaulding-Harvard Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (SH-TBIMS) is one of 16 centers in the nation selected by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) to receive federal funding for research on TBI for the 2017-2022 funding cycle. As a TBI Model System, the SH-TBIMS contributes data to the TBIMS National Database study, conducts a site-specific project, and leads and participates in multi-center module studies with other TBI Model System centers.
For further information about the Spaulding-Harvard TBI Model System and its research, dissemination, and clinical programs, click here.
The Spaulding-Harvard System, led by Dr. Joseph T. Giacino, was selected by the National Institute of Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) to receive federal funding as a TBIMS center. The TBIMS is a multi-center program that aims to monitor and improve long term outcomes for individuals with traumatic brain injury through enrollment in a national database, multi-center “module” projects, and single center studies. Spaulding has become a national leader in TBI research and rehabilitation under the Model Systems program as a result of excellent clinical care, research contributions, and educational efforts.
TBIMS research is responsible for almost 500 peer-reviewed publications and has facilitated the development of TBI medical care guidelines, comprehensive diagnostic procedures, rehabilitation approaches, and more. Within the 16 TBIMS centers throughout the nation, exceptional rehabilitation additionally serves to improve injury treatment and outcomes for future patients.
About the Spaulding-Harvard Traumatic Brain Injury Model System
The primary focus of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Neurorehabilitation Laboratory is to advance scientific understanding of moderate to severe brain injury and disorders of consciousness. Various projects within the lab specifically focus on novel assessments of consciousness and cognitive function, exploration of clinical interventions for brain injury recovery, and predictors of outcome and recovery for persons with brain injury.
What is a Model System?
Model Systems are networks of hospitals and research institutions across the United States that focus on tracking and improving outcomes of people with one of three types of injuries: burn injury, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. The Model Systems are funded by the NIDILRR, a component of the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
- Complete research on selected conditions (burns, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries)
- Disseminate research findings to the public
- Educate patients and families
- Uphold excellence in clinical care