A program to help asylum-seekers and refugees recover from brain injuries.
Official title: A Culturally-Adapted, Trauma-Informed Cognitive Rehabilitation Intervention for Asylum-Seekers and Refugees with Traumatic Brain Injury
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11002729 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new program called SMART-Plus to help asylum-seekers and refugees who have had traumatic brain injuries, using video calls to make it easier for them to get support that fits their unique needs and challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $237,330 |
| NIH project number | 5K23NS128164-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002729 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are asylum-seekers and refugees who have experienced mild traumatic brain injuries related to interpersonal violence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of traumatic brain injury or those who are not asylum-seekers or refugees may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a culturally adapted cognitive rehabilitation program for asylum-seekers and refugees who have experienced traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The intervention, called SMART-Plus, will be delivered by community health workers through video-based telemedicine, making it accessible to those facing barriers such as language differences and healthcare mistrust. The program aims to address the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable population, including high rates of TBI due to trauma from war and violence. By tailoring the intervention to their specific needs, the research seeks to improve cognitive recovery and overall well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance cognitive rehabilitation for asylum-seekers and refugees, leading to improved quality of life and better integration into society.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in culturally adapted interventions for various populations, indicating potential for this novel approach to be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saadi, Altaf — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Saadi, Altaf
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.