Interdisciplinary Process Improvement for Behavior Management of Acute Brain Injury.

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Behavioral Science
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) frequently leads to disruptive behaviors in over 70% of patients.
• These behaviors, including aggression and social withdrawal, often escalate post-TBI, straining care relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To refine inpatient rehabilitation programming for TBI patients.
• To address disruptive behaviors using evidence-based practices and provider expertise.

Main Methods:

• Formed an interdisciplinary committee for program refinement.
• Conducted interviews and surveys with staff.
• Implemented consistent environmental and interactional changes across the interdisciplinary team.

Main Results:

• Increased evidence-based behavior tracking and event reporting.
• Developed and delivered new training for healthcare assistants and nurses.
• Improved interdisciplinary team communication and collaboration.

Conclusions:

• The refined approach enhanced staff knowledge and training reception.
• Improved awareness and reporting of challenging behaviors were observed.
• Positive feedback indicated enhanced collaboration across disciplines.