discussion of Results
Te clinical practice change by the nursing staf is supported
by the structured implementation of the TBI protocol which in turnbecame a template in care delivery for the TBI patient population. The
protocol created a structured approach to clinical patient management
for the nursing staf. Te continuous repetition of patient interventions
supported by the evidence-based protocols in concert with staf
education on traumatic brain injury and its consequences, created skill
development in the nursing staf for assessing and managing altered
states in this patient population. Trough the recognition of subtle
changes in vital signs, the nursing staf was able to recognize that
physiologic behavior and cognitive states become greatly altered, which
in turn, present as states of confusion and agitation in the TBI patient.
Te daily cognitive evaluation together with the every-two hour vital
signs enabled patient intervention to occur in a more focused and
timely manner.
Te timeliness of the ancillary services of physical therapy and
speech/cognitive therapy also improved following the implementation
of the TBI protocol. Prior to program implementation, physical therapy
consults were consistently completed on day three or four from date
of admission. Te intensive physical therapy program provided the
opportunity for patients to gait train and ambulate twice daily in the
physical therapy department, and on an every two-hour basis on the
nursing unit, which enhanced physical strength and independence and
promoted regulation of sleep-wake cycles. Findings also support that
the increase in timing stems from consistency of consult requests at
time of admission as well as the recognition of TBI patient priority by
the physical therapy department staf (Figure 2).
As for speech/cognitive therapy, the progressive increase may be
attributed to the timely and consistent order entry for all TBI patients
on admission, rather than the few patients eligible for post acute
rehabilitation services. Another reason may be that protocol driven
guidelines remove the inconsistency of primary provider discretion in
requesting a consult. Trough the implementation of the TBI protocol,
patients received cognitive stimulation on a consistent basis which
enabled patients to have the opportunity to strengthen verbal responses
and develop an awareness that an event has occurred. Since project
implementation, the speech/cognitive service had shown an increase
to 100% for all TBI patients within 48-hours of admission (Figure 3).
Te fnding for sitter session usage showed a reduction from 30
sessions 3 months before program implementation, to 6 sessions during
project implementation, with continued sitter session reduction of 0
sessions for 6 months post program implementation. Tese fndings
are attributed to the efcacy in consistent adherence to an established
protocol, which suggests that a change in clinical practice will occur
over time.