ENGAGE-TBI: adaptation of a community-based intervention to improve social participation after brain injury

Background: Social isolation is prevalent after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and has negative implications for health and well-being. Interventions targeting social participation show promise for reducing social isolation. We adapted a social participation intervention, ENGAGE, to meet the needs of people with TBI. ENGAGE relies on social learning and guided problem-solving to achieve social participation goals. Methods: This study was conducted in two phases. First, we conducted focus groups with 12 participants with TBI to inform adaptations. We then tested the adapted protocol (n = 6). Post-intervention interviews informed additional refinements. We collected preliminary data on feasibility and effects on social participation (Activity Card Sort, PROMIS Ability to Participate in Social Roles, PROMIS Satisfaction with Participation in Social Roles) and social isolation (PROMIS Social Isolation). Results: Intervention adaptations included simplified processes for developing goals and plans, simplified workbook materials, greater time for reflection on lessons learned, and expanded peer mentorship. ENGAGE-TBI resulted in high satisfaction for 80% of participants and high engagement in intervention for 100% of participants. Attendance and retention benchmarks were achieved. Improvements in social participation exceeded the minimal clinically important difference on all measures. Conclusions: The promising preliminary data support further investigation into the feasibility and effects of ENGAGE-TBI.