A Biopsychosocial Evaluation of Post-Acute Outcome of Patients with Severe Brain Lesions Recovering from Coma: An Exploratory Study.

Currently, very little is known about the holistic outcome of patients recovering from coma. The aim of this retrospective exploratory study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients recovering from coma after care in an acute neurorehabilitation unit with particular focus on their biopsychosocial and spiritual needs in the post-acute phase of recovery. We included 12 patients and evaluated clinical outcome evolution by comparing standard neurobehavioral scores from patient files measured in the acute and post-acute phases. We assessed patient needs using the Quality of Life after Brain Injury scale (QOLIBRI) and classified self-reported complaints mentioned in patient files according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework (ICF). Mean patient evolution was a Level of Cognitive Functioning Scale (LCF)-r increase of 3.33 levels (range = 2); a Disability Rating Scale score (DRS) of -3.27 points (SD = 3.78); a Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC) scale score of 1.83 (range = 5); and a Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) median = 0 (Interquartile range = 1). Main patient complaints concerned mental functioning (