A researcher behind the development of educational resources for people with brain injury and their caregivers has been named as winner of the 2022 Franz Gerstenbrand Award.
Dr Maria Alejandra Spir Brunal has won the award, given by the World Federation for Neurorehabilitation (WFNR), for the potential and impact of her research into supporting the lives of individuals and families after brain injury.
Maria, a medical researcher at the University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia, has led research which has created resources including a mobile phone app, an educational book and videos to explain the different phases and changes that individuals with brain injury experience as inpatients, during the rehabilitation process and also in their day-to-day lives.
The Ministry of Health in Colombia classifies traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a public health problem due to its economic impact on the country’s health services and lost productivity.
TBI is Colombia’s fifth highest cause of death due to external causes and to date no educational strategies have been implemented to support individuals with TBI post-discharge, and to assist with their reintegration into activities of daily living.
Maria said: “I’m so pleased that the WFNR has recognised the importance of this work. These resources have had a positive impact on the individuals with TBI, families and care givers by improving their understanding of TBI, its impact on functioning and overall quality of life.”
Professor Volker Homberg, newly-elected WFNR President, said: “Maria is a young researcher and has already made a significant impact in neuro-rehabilitation.
“This is an excellent example of a project that has benefitted individuals with TBI in their rehabilitation journey; a key requirement of the WFNR Award.
“We particularly encourage entries from individuals under the age of 35 years to enter this Award as they are the future of neuro-rehabilitation, and we offer our many congratulations to Maria.”
The mobile app uses graphics, videos and interactive sessions and makes recommendations for in-patients, home care, long-term care and for the care of some specific conditions associated with TBI.
The book contains the main care techniques, exercises, complications, and warning signs.
The free videos provide exercises to do at home that can help improve cardiovascular endurance, strength, balance, range of motion, and the prevention of falls.
