Initial developmental process of a VA semistructured clinical interview for TBI identification.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Clinical Psychology
• Military Medicine

Background:

• Identifying remote traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly mild TBI, presents a significant clinical challenge.
• Current TBI history assessment relies heavily on self-report via clinical interviews.
• The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) implemented a mandatory TBI screening for returning Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom personnel.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a "criterion standard" semistructured clinical interview for TBI identification.
• To provide a structured methodology for the TBI history component of the Second Level TBI Evaluation.
• To enhance the accuracy and consistency of TBI assessment in a veteran population.

Main Methods:

• A six-step developmental methodology was employed.
• Consultation with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) subject matter experts was integral.
• The new tool builds upon the strengths of existing validated instruments in the literature.

Main Results:

• A semistructured clinical TBI identification interview was developed.
• An accompanying manual was created to guide its implementation.
• The methodology provides a standardized approach to TBI history assessment.

Conclusions:

• The developed semistructured interview offers a standardized method for assessing TBI history.
• This tool aims to improve the reliability of TBI identification, particularly for mild TBI.
• It supports the VHA's goal of consistent and accurate TBI evaluations for service members.