Examining a Statewide Educational Consulting Program for Pediatric Brain Injury

• Published in: Clinical pediatrics 2018-06, Vol.57 (6), p.645-655
• Main Authors: Myers, Rachel K., Eagan-Brown, Brenda L., Conway, Alexandra T., Nagele, Drew A., Vaccaro, Monica J., Kendi, Sadiqa, Zonfrillo, Mark R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Brain; Brain Concussion - diagnosis; Brain Injury, Chronic - diagnosis; Communication; Concussion; Consultation; Demographics; Humans; Injury analysis; Medical personnel; Pediatrics; Personnel; Referral and Consultation; Students; Traumatic brain injury
• ISSN: 0009-9228; 1938-2707; 1938-2707
• DOI: 10.1177/0009922817732146

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.