Improving Correct Post Traumatic Amnesia (PTA) Assessment at Taranaki Base Hospital for Trauma Patients at Risk of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) using a Validated Assessment Tool
Authors List
Hornby, A., Taranaki Base Hospital, New Plymouth Taranaki (Occupational Therapist)
Visagie, K., Taranaki Base Hospital, New Plymouth Taranaki (Occupational Therapist)
Jordan, E, / Keegan A, Taranaki Base Hospital, New Plymouth (Trauma CNS)
Introduction
A review of trauma baseline data collected in October 2022 from Taranaki Base Hospital showed that 20 patients fitted the criteria for PTA assessment; only 60% of patients had correctly completed assessments. Correct assessment of PTA is important as a predictor of long-term recovery and to ensure appropriate identification of rehabilitation needs. The standardised PTA scale used was the Abbreviated Westmead and the Westmead.
Aim
The aim of our hospital wide project was to increase the percentage of trauma patients that are at risk of TBI to be accurately assessed for PTA using a validated tool from 60% to 90% by the end of January 2023.
Method
After a meeting with nurse educators and managers of specialties, it was clear that to improve correct assessments, training and education had to be tailored specifically for the needs of the different areas of the hospital. To support the training, new pathways and training resources were created, and all areas of the hospital were made aware of PTA and the correct assessment in a series of face-to-face meetings and use of online tools throughout November 2022 and December 2022. The success of the teaching method was also evaluated with pre and post training questionnaires. Additional equity changes were made, and resources created for consumers in Te Reo.
Results
Data collection in January 2023 showed that at Taranaki Base Hospital 87% of accurate assessment of PTA in patients at risk of TBI.
Conclusion
Despite not meeting our aim we had a significant improvement in completion of PTA assessment, an increase in staff confidence, knowledge and understanding of completion of PTA assessments and more accurate notes and patient follow up.
Hornby, A., Taranaki Base Hospital, New Plymouth Taranaki (Occupational Therapist)
Visagie, K., Taranaki Base Hospital, New Plymouth Taranaki (Occupational Therapist)
Jordan, E, / Keegan A, Taranaki Base Hospital, New Plymouth (Trauma CNS)
Introduction
A review of trauma baseline data collected in October 2022 from Taranaki Base Hospital showed that 20 patients fitted the criteria for PTA assessment; only 60% of patients had correctly completed assessments. Correct assessment of PTA is important as a predictor of long-term recovery and to ensure appropriate identification of rehabilitation needs. The standardised PTA scale used was the Abbreviated Westmead and the Westmead.
Aim
The aim of our hospital wide project was to increase the percentage of trauma patients that are at risk of TBI to be accurately assessed for PTA using a validated tool from 60% to 90% by the end of January 2023.
Method
After a meeting with nurse educators and managers of specialties, it was clear that to improve correct assessments, training and education had to be tailored specifically for the needs of the different areas of the hospital. To support the training, new pathways and training resources were created, and all areas of the hospital were made aware of PTA and the correct assessment in a series of face-to-face meetings and use of online tools throughout November 2022 and December 2022. The success of the teaching method was also evaluated with pre and post training questionnaires. Additional equity changes were made, and resources created for consumers in Te Reo.
Results
Data collection in January 2023 showed that at Taranaki Base Hospital 87% of accurate assessment of PTA in patients at risk of TBI.
Conclusion
Despite not meeting our aim we had a significant improvement in completion of PTA assessment, an increase in staff confidence, knowledge and understanding of completion of PTA assessments and more accurate notes and patient follow up.
