Alice Theadom

Professor of Psychology and Brain Health, Director, TBI Network, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

Alice Theadom, BSc, MSc, PhD is a Professor of Psychology and Brain Health and and Director of the TBI Network hosted at Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand. The TBI Network aims to connect clinicians, researchers and members of the public across the globe to shift the way research ideas are generated and conducted to yield more meaningful outcomes. Alice is a Rutherford Discovery Fellow with a specialist focus on improving recognition of mild traumatic brain injuries and understanding factors predictive of recovery. Alice trained as a Health Psychologist in the UK, before moving to New Zealand in 2009 to establish a research programme in TBI. Alice has published >190 peer-reviewed journal articles in the field of TBI and rehabilitation.

Recognition and Management of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury following Trauma

Thousands of patients present to hospital with a suspected mild traumatic brain injury or following polytrauma where there is a high risk of mild TBI every year.   Evidence has shown that up to half of those affected by mTBI can experience long term difficulties if they don’t receive good early advice and support. Yet there are a number of issues with current mTBI processes. Firstly, who and how people are screened varies considerably, with many patients not receiving a diagnosis or correct code(s). Secondly, the advice given to patients can be inconsistent, confusing and out of date. Thirdly, clinicians can be unsure who needs to be referred for specialist community services and patients can experience significant delays in being able to access support if they need it. 

Consequently, a more consistent and equitable process is needed across NZ to ensure those affected by mTBI receive the advice and care they need. This presentation will explore current processes in NZ and a potential solution to assist clinicians to screen and manage these injuries within busy clinical environments.