JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The traumatic brain injury (TBI) Intensive Evaluation and Treatment Program (IETP), is an innovative modality for delivering evidence-based care in a residential, inpatient format. IETP programs provide bundled evidence-based assessment, treatment, referral, and case management practices in concordance with existing guidelines for mild TBI and common co-occurring comorbidities. The goal of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation National Program Office is to facilitate the implementation of the high consumer demand IETP at a single site to all VHA TBI Centers of Excellence (TBI-COE). In alignment with the goals of the proposal, ineffective treatment components will be targeted for de-implementation.

Objective:

Describe IETP services and state of implementation of these services in each of the five TBI-COEs to identify opportunities for adaptation and scale. Characterize the relationship between patient characteristics, clinical services received, and outcomes for IETP participants. These data will be used to support IETP implementation at sites to promote adoption of effective IETP practices across the polytrauma system of care.

Methods:

Three-year mixed methods evaluation using a community-based participatory approach in collaboration with the operational partner and TBI-COE site leadership.

Results:

Data collection began 12/2021 and is ongoing.

Conclusions:

Impact from this evaluation is expected to be used by the national Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Office to improve and expand the IETP program.