Validation of the Service Obstacles Scale for the traumatic brain injury population.

Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Limited access to specialized medical and rehabilitation services has been linked to poor outcomes. Literature provides little guidance for assessment of service obstacles and satisfaction with community resources. The present investigation describes the development of a specialized scale to evaluate caregivers' perceptions of brain injury services in the community. Results indicate good internal consistency and criterion-related validity of the Service Obstacles Scale. Lack of money for services and lack of adequate community resources were the greatest concerns voiced by respondents, while lack of transportation was the least problematic. Comparisons are made with regard to family needs and respondents' post-injury life quality. Implications for future research are discussed.