Citation

Bay E, Strong C. Adv. Emerg. Nurs. J. 2011; 33(2): 181-192.

Affiliation

Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Dr Bay); and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Grand Rapids, Michigan (Dr Strong).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/TME.0b013e318217c958

PMID

21543914

Abstract

Research indicates that the assessment and discharge teaching practices for persons with traumatic brain injury are more focused on ruling out severe brain injury and informing the person about "red flags" warranting a return visit to the medical provider. Our primary purpose was to determine the extent to which discharge practices were aligned with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines contained within the Acute Concussion Evaluation care plan. Responses from 87 nurses (25.0% response rate) to a tailored survey were analyzed to determine emergency department nurses' discharge teaching practices for adults who experienced a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). Results indicated that nurses in general were focused on injury-specific information and less often provided information about MTBI, symptom management, or strategies for preventing future brain damage. System improvements are justified to provide injured persons with a clearly defined diagnosis and instructions for follow-up and symptom management.

Language: en