Overview of SEMTBIS

The Southeastern Michigan Traumatic Brain Injury System (SEMTBIS) is program of research that studies a variety of topics related to TBI recovery and outcome.

SEMTBIS conducts innovative research projects and contributes to the establishment and maintenance of a standardized National Database for analysis of TBI treatment and outcomes. At SEMTBIS we are involved in local and collaborative research efforts. Our research findings are shared with TBI survivors, families, caregivers, and health care professionals locally, nationally, and internationally. 

Current Funded Research Projects

TBI Model System Project – NIDRR
• PI – Robin Hanks, PhD
• 10/1/2002 through 3/31/2008
• In the current grant cycle, the Southeastern Michigan Traumatic Brain Injury System (SEMTBIS) addresses the research area "Full Access to Community Life". These projects also touch upon other priority areas, established by NIDRR, such as employment of persons with disabilities and use of technology. Three studies address enhancement of quality of life and community integration of TBI survivors and their family members. These projects propose to: 1) evaluate the efficacy of a peer-mentoring intervention, 2) investigate the dynamic system of survivor and significant other subjective well-being, and 3) examine the barriers to resumption of driving, fitness to drive, and community integration.
• In addition to these studies, the SEMTBIS also continues to participate in clinical and systems analysis studies of the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) by collecting and contributing data for submission to the TBIMS national database. Participatory action is a central component of project implementation, evaluation, and dissemination.

TBI Longitudinal Outcome Project – NIDRR
• PI – Robin Hanks, PhD
• 10/1/2007 through 9/30/2012
• Ongoing long-term follow-up (1-20 yrs post-injury) for cognitive, emotional, physical, functional, and vocational outcomes.
• www.tbindsc.org