Development of a traumatic brain injury model system within the Department of Veterans Affairs Polytrauma System of Care.

BACKGROUND: In 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers partnered with the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research to establish a Model Systems program of research that would closely emulate the civilian Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Model Systems Centers Program established in 1987. OBJECTIVE: To describe the development of a TBI Model Systems program within the Department of Veterans Affairs Polytrauma System of Care. METHODS: Enrollment criteria and data collection/data quality efforts for the newly established Department of Veterans Affairs sites are reviewed. RESULTS: Significant progress has been made in the establishment of a Model Systems program for the Polytrauma System of Care. Data collection has moved forward and program-specific modifications have been implemented. CONCLUSION: The Veterans Affairs TBI Model System program is established and growing, with many projects underway and a strong working relationship with the civilian TBI Model System programs.