Commonly Used Assessment and Treatment for TBI Among Speech and Language Pathologist

Abstract

Background: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) represents a critical public health issue, with injuries ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Effective assessment and management by healthcare professionals, including speech and language pathologists (SLPs), are crucial for addressing the complex needs of TBI patients. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the assessment and treatment practices of SLPs for TBI patients in Lahore, Pakistan, focusing on identifying gaps in knowledge and application of standardized assessment tools. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 SLPs working in various healthcare settings in Punjab, Pakistan. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, including those with over three years of clinical experience in both government and private hospitals and clinics. SLPs working in schools, those with less than 18 years of education, and professionals not trained in TBI rehabilitation were excluded. A self-designed, non-standardized questionnaire was distributed to assess common practices in TBI management. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, employing descriptive statistics to evaluate demographic characteristics, assessment preferences, and usage of specific assessment tools. Cross-tabulations were also used to explore relationships between demographics and assessment practices. Results: The majority of SLPs had 1-2 years of experience with TBI patients (28%), with a significant portion also having 6 months to 1 year of experience (22%). Female SLPs dominated the sample (88%). In terms of assessment preferences, a balanced inclination towards formal (53%) and informal (47%) methods was observed. However, there was a notable inconsistency in the use of standardized tools. Specific tools such as RBANS and BDAE were used by only 12% and 47% of therapists, respectively. Advanced imaging techniques like MRI and CT scans were seldom used (15%). Conclusion: The study underscores the need for enhanced training and resources for SLPs in Punjab for effective TBI assessment and treatment. The findings reveal a reliance on certain assessment tools and a gap in the use of standardized methods, suggesting the necessity for improved training, awareness, and access to diverse assessment tools.