Examining a Statewide Educational Consulting Program for Pediatric Brain Injury

Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2018 Jun;57(6):645-655. doi: 10.1177/0009922817732146. Epub 2017 Sep 21.

Abstract

This study describes characteristics of students with acquired brain injury enrolled in a statewide educational consultation program and the program's support activities. Utilizing deidentified data from a statewide brain injury school consultation program, descriptive analyses of demographic and injury characteristics, including medical diagnosis (concussion/mild traumatic brain injury [TBI], moderate-severe TBI, and non-TBI), referral characteristics, educational placement, and the types of program activities were undertaken. 70% of students were referred for concussions/mild TBI and students were infrequently referred by medical professionals. Most students with concussion/mild TBI experienced recreational injuries (59%), while students with moderate/severe TBI commonly experienced road traffic injuries (48%). The greatest proportion of program team members' time was spent in consultation with school personnel (24%), communication with families (20%), and communication with school personnel (16%). Results suggest that the program addresses important communication and coordination needs among families, medical professionals, and educators and identifies opportunities to enhance program utilization.

Keywords: concussion; education; pediatric; postacute care; traumatic brain injury.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brain Concussion / diagnosis
  • Brain Injury, Chronic / diagnosis*
  • Communication
  • Humans
  • Referral and Consultation