Using the OSU TBI-ID method for screening rural, older adults: a mixed methods feasibility study

ABSTRACT

Objective: To examine the feasibility of: (1) a brain injury and screening tool (Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method; OSU TBI-ID) training for rural Area Agency on Aging (AAA) health professionals, and (2) implementation of the screening process. 

Research Design: A mixed methods design was utilized to assess several aspects of feasibility. Quantitatively, the researchers examined AAA health professionals’ scores on a brain injury misconceptions survey, descriptive statistics about the clients screened, and health professionals’ accuracy using the OSU TBI-ID. Qualitative data was collected via focus group interviews with the health professionals. 

Methods and Procedures: The researchers conducted brain injury education and screening tool training for AAA health professionals. Subsequently, the health professionals used the OSU TBI-ID to screen their older adult clients for brain injury. 

Main Outcomes and Results: AAA health professionals learned the OSU TBI-ID quickly and used the protocol correctly. The screening results established that 15% of the clients screened positive for brain injury; of those with positive screens, 87% did not have a previous brain injury diagnosis. 

Conclusions: The current study presents evidence of feasibility for (1) training AAA health professionals, and (2) implementation of the OSU TBI-ID to screen older adult clients.

KEYWORDS:

• TBI
• screening
• older adults
• rural
• OSU TBI-ID

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the cooperating Area Agency on Aging offices for their willingness to participate in this study. We would like to thank Ms. Keri Bennett for her efforts in initiating this project. In addition, the authors would like to express their gratitude to Dr. John Corrigan and Dr. Jennifer Bogner’s development of the Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method. We are grateful for their generosity in sharing this screening tool as well as the related educational resources. We would also like to thank Ms. Britni (Norfolk) Paul for her assistance on this project, as well as research assistants: Meagan McGrath, Kendra (Patocka) McGahuey, Erin Heald, and Brittani Schmidt.

Disclosure Statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant #H21MC26915, Traumatic Brain Injury State Implementation Partnership Program.