Assessments of Functional Cognition Used with Patients following Traumatic Brain Injury in Acute Care: A Survey of Australian Occupational Therapists

Abstract

This study aimed to describe how occupational therapists working in acute care settings in Australia assess cognitive function in patients with TBI, the influences on assessment choice, and clinician perceptions of performance-based assessment. An online survey was completed by 81 occupational therapists. The most common method of cognitive assessment was reported as non-standardized observation of functional tasks (94.7%), followed by carer-report / self-report (93%). Despite their being positive perceptions of performance-based assessment there was limited use in practice. Assessment use was impacted by practical and organizational constraints including access to assessment resources, time and the built environment in acute care.

Keywords:

• Cognition
• assessment
• functional cognition
• traumatic brain injury
• acute care

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Foundation.

Notes on contributors

Katherine Goodchild

Katherine Goodchild is a senior occupational therapist at STARS working in both generalist and brain injury rehabilitation.

Jennifer Fleming

Professor Jennifer Fleming is an occupational therapist and researcher in the field of brain injury rehabilitation.

Jodie A. Copley

Associate Professor Jodie Copley has clinical experience working with people with brain injury and has conducted research in neuro-rehabilitation.