An investigation of the continuum of care as experienced by Victorian adults with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury and their significant others.

In recent years there has been a move towards the application of clinical care guidelines founded on evidence-based best practice in the provision of health services. Health services, departments and clinicians have been encouraged to use guidelines to formulate service-specific protocols, clinical pathways and care plans which help ensure efficient and effective service provision. The availability and implementation of these guidelines has been shown to lead to significant improvements in the processes as well as the outcomes of care (Bulger et al., 2002; Fakhry, Trask, Waller, & Watts, 2004; Faul, Wald, Rutland-Brown, Sullivent, & Sattin, 2007; Spain et al., 1998). Clinical care guidelines outlining evidence-based treatments in acute care following traumatic brain injury (TBI) are numerous (Brain Trauma Foundation, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008a; Maas et al., 1997; National Institute for Clinical Excellence, 2007). International TBI rehabilitation guidelines are also available (British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine & Royal College of Physicians, 2003; New Zealand Guidelines Group, 2006; Turner-Stokes, Disler, Nair, & Wade, 2005). However Australian guidelines targeting long-term TBI rehabilitation are non-existent.