Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau case study: Improving the accuracy of post-traumatic amnesia assessments

Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau has long had a process in place to screen for post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) following suspected traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, there were inaccuracies in the way the assessments were performed, increasing the risk of missing diagnoses of concussion or more serious TBIs. As a result, some people experienced suboptimal hospital care and some referrals to community support services could potentially be overlooked.

The team developed resources and delivered education to occupational therapy staff working on the acute wards. An in-depth clinical audit looked into exactly where inaccuracies in assessment lay. Based on this audit, Counties Manukau launched an online module on the Ko Awatea learning platform to provide consistent education for all clinicians involved in the assessment of TBI and concussion. Resources have been developed for every ward where staff undertake PTA assessment to standardise the approach across all locations. Staff feedback has been positive about the ease of completing the assessment with the structured distribution of consistent resources.

Read the news item about this case study: Consistent traumatic brain injury screening improves outcomes for patients in Counties Manukau

This case study uses the double vowel in its te reo Maaori rather than the macron, as this is the language strategy and tikanga of Counties Manukau Health. www.countiesmanukau.health.nz/about-us/use-of-the-double-vowel-in-te-reo-maaori-at-cm-health.