Abstract
We sought to explore the scope of cognitive interventions addressing executive functioning and their effects on self-management after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Executive functions such as attention, memory, problem solving, decision making, and insight are often impaired in individuals following a TBI, and these deficits have a significant impact on independence, occupational participation, community reintegration, vocational performance, and social interaction. These executive functioning challenges can increase psychological and caregiver burden for patients and their support systems. Occupational therapists are well equipped to address these deficits in various settings. Our findings indicate that while a variety of established cognitive interventions for executive dysfunction exist, there is little consensus on which protocol, delivery method, or duration is most effective for individuals with TBI. It is recommended that occupational therapists identify patient-specific values, goals, and self-management barriers, and cater interventions and outcomes to the individual. Occupational therapists should receive education and training on executive dysfunction and the important role of cognitive rehabilitation for these deficits, and should advocate for these services within healthcare delivery models and society at large. Future research should seek to determine which protocols and delivery methods are most effective for particular subsets and patient characteristics within the TBI population.