Effects of waiting time for specialized interdisciplinary rehabilitation on adult patients with persistent symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury

Background: Twenty to thirty percent of patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) suffer persistent symptoms which can negatively impact their day-to-day activities. The primary aim of this study was to examine the relationship between waiting time for rehabilitation services and persistent symptoms in patients with mTBI. Its secondary objective was to explore the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and persistent symptom outcomes. Methods: An observational cohort study was conducted at a specialized interdisciplinary rehabilitation program (SIRP) for mTBI in Québec, Canada. Waiting time was the predictor variable and outcomes were measured at two points in time. Results: Twenty-six participants completed questionnaires at both baseline and follow-up. Approximately 70% of participants received their first appointment within six months of the injury, while the others waited more than eight months. Longer waiting times were associated with more persistent post-concussion symptoms (p = 0.008), more anxiety (p = 0.005), and poorer community integration (p = 0.006) at baseline, and higher anxiety levels (p = 0.046) at follow-up. Conclusions: This study shows the negative effects of delayed access to specialized rehabilitation services for patients with mTBI. It highlights the need for timely access to improve outcomes and calls for policy changes to ensure it. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of waiting on mTBI symptoms.