Traumatic Brain Injury Discharge Planning from Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Doctoral Capstone Report

Abstract

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) may have lifelong impacts on physical and psychosocial well-being, affecting patients and their support systems. Due to the complexity and variability of TBIs, determining post-discharge needs is often challenging. An interdisciplinary approach, combined with robust education and training, can aid in smoother transitions of care. However, barriers such as low health literacy and disorganized information delivery often hinder the discharge process. A multiphase needs assessment at the capstone site revealed similar gaps and barriers. The capstone student utilized the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance model, Occupational Justice frame of reference, and Adult Learning theory to address the needs identified by the capstone site. The student provided the brain injury unit team at the inpatient rehabilitation hospital with information delivery checklists, an evidence-based resource binder, and access to a shared resource drive. Additionally, the capstone student conducted a brief educational session and collected pre- and post- survey data. Survey results confirmed the project was successful and positively impacted both the capstone student and the site.