Rolling with the Punches: An Interdisciplinary Model for Treating the Neurobehavioral Patient-Session Presentation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video discusses an interdisciplinary model for treating neurobehavioral patients. Agitation is defined as a state of anxiety or nervous excitement, and in the rehab world, it refers to a state of confusion and impaired consciousness following an initial injury. Agitation is characterized by excessive behaviors, emotional unrest, impulsivity, disorganized thinking, disinhibition, and aggression. The percentage of agitation in traumatic brain injury patients ranges from 11% to 70%. Agitation can be managed by creating a low-stimulation environment, using non-pharmacological interventions such as a floor bed or one-to-one sitter, simplifying communication, and reducing cognitive confusion. Predictors for agitation include infection, lower cognitive scores, and the severity of the injury. When developing a neurobehavioral program, it is important to define agitation and understand how it presents in different patients. Treatment should focus on reducing aggressive behaviors, improving cognition, and using appropriate medications. The success of the program can be measured by a reduction in restraints, a return to normal sleep-wake cycles, improvement in functional status, and a decrease in the frequency and severity of behavioral escalations. Staff training and communication are crucial for effective implementation of the program. It is also important to adapt measurement tools to your specific setting and garner administrative support for the program.

Keywords

neurobehavioral patients

agitation

rehab world

traumatic brain injury

non-pharmacological interventions

cognitive confusion

behavioral escalations

staff training