Evaluation of the Brain Injury Association of America's National Brain Injury Information Center

The University of Pittsburgh's Institute for Evaluation Science in Community Health conducted a utilization-focused evaluation of the Brain Injury Association of America‘s (BIAA) National Brain Injury Information Center (NBIIC), a project funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The project aimed at helping the information and resource (I&R) programs of the BIAA's state affiliates improve the quality of life of individuals with brain injury and their families by providing accurate, appropriate and timely information. Guided by a logic model, the evaluation methodology included document review, a survey with NBIIC callers and interviews with I&R staff in pilot states, their supervisors and NBIIC staff. Between September of 2005 and January of 2006, the NBIIC initiated services in three pilot states: Minnesota, Michigan, and Mississippi. Project staff developed and produced a caller information packet, I&R staff training and procedures manuals, and outreach materials; developed and implemented an outreach plan; established a telephone system connecting callers to their state program; developed project management tools; and trained I&R staff. Our findings include: 1) NBIIC callers have simplified access to resources through this system; 2) the NBIIC provides pilot states a standard structure for their work through the training, manuals, management materials and information packet; 3) pilot states have developed partnerships and are sharing information and procedures. Our recommendations include extending the NBIIC to include more states, so they can benefit from the standardized structure it provides. Recommendations for fine-tuning the materials and processes are also offered.