| The purpose of my dissertation was to provide guidance for evidence-based financial management assessment in acquired brain injury rehabilitation. The objectives were to (1) synthesize current financial management assessment instrument literature, and (2) qualitatively examine the real-world financial management actions and behaviours of adults with brain injury. I conducted three studies.;In the first study I used systematic search and instrument content analysis methods to identify 88 different instruments that include financial management items. Of these, eight instruments were identified as being potentially advantageous to the comprehensive observation- based assessment of financial management. However, two areas of financial management were missing from these eight measures: budgeting and monitoring of spending.;In the second study I used systematic assessment instrument review methods, including an evidence critical appraisal, to critique the eight select instruments identified in the previous review and content analysis. Five of the eight measures had moderate volumes of low-risk of bias evidence for construct validity (hypothesis testing); two instruments had limited evidence for test-retest reliability; and all instruments lacked content validity and responsiveness evidence.;In the third study I used qualitative inquiry and grounded-theory methodology to develop the Financial Management Activity Process conceptual framework. This framework was created from interviews with adults with brain injury and close-others who help with financial activities. It highlights the use of personalized financial management strategies that account for the person, activity, and environment factors facilitating or limiting activity completion.;Together, the studies highlight that current financial management instruments require more investigation prior to endorsement. Also, instruments' need refinement to address all current relevant areas of financial management. Strategy use may be a salient consideration in developing new instruments, as it was relevant to the everyday financial management actions and behaviours of adults living with acquired brain injury. Further instrument development and research is needed. |
