Assessment and management of fatigue following paediatric acquired brain injury

Summary Assessment and management of fatigue following paediatric acquired brain injury

Project Details

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is defined as any brain insult that occurs after birth. In children and adolescents, among the most common causes of ABI are traumatic brain injury, stroke, infection, tumour, hypoxia, and encephalitis. Fatigue is a frequently reported sequelae of acquired brain injury (ABI), and can negatively impact on a child's participation in everyday life. In childhood ABI, fatigue is associated with poor academic achievement, limited physical activity, and social and emotional problems. The effective management of fatigue is a clinical priority for paediatric rehabilitation services. However, there is minimal research that focuses on understanding the best approach to supporting children and families to manage fatigue. This study will use a mixed methods design to examine existing approaches to the assessment and management of fatigue in children with ABI from the perspectives of children, families and paediatric rehabilitation professionals. This data will be used in the co-design of a fatigue management program for children with ABI. This project will fit under the broader umbrella of the MCRI ABI integrated knowledge translation program. Students would need a strong academic track record and interests in rehabilitation.

This project will be based within the Neurodisability and Rehabilitation group at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and the Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service where the successful candidate will be supported by a highly experienced clinical research team.