Rehabilitation Outcomes of an Occupational Therapy Student-Run Free Clinic for Individuals with Acquired Brain Injury.

BACKGROUND: Preliminary evidence shows the successes of student-run free clinics (SRFC) in improving patient health; however, continued research is required on the effectiveness of student-delivered occupational therapy (OT) for individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of OT treatment on patient outcomes in a SRFC for ABI. METHODS: A single-group pre/post study examined the effect of a 12-week OT intervention for 26 individuals with ABI on seven outcome measures using Cohen's d and effect size r for non-normal samples. RESULTS: The intervention had a large effect (>/=0.8) on upper extremity function, goal improvement, and functional balance, a medium effect (0.5 < x < 0.8) on self-perceived physical health and activity participation, and a small effect (0.2 < x < 0.5) on cognition and mood outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to show the effectiveness of an OT SRFC. Participation in this clinic had a positive effect on activity-based goals, physical, cognitive, health, and psychosocial outcomes of clients with ABI.