Return to School After Traumatic Brain Injury: Description of Implementation Settings

Abstract

Objective: Children who experience traumatic brain injury (TBI) of any severity may need accommodations when they return to school—the setting that manages academic achievement and learning. However, variations exist in current return to school (RTS) programs that address a child's transition to school following TBI. This article describes some of these return to school (RTS) programs and how they vary by setting. Design: This article provides insights from a modified evaluability assessment that examined RTS programs and their readiness for rigorous evaluation. A secondary analysis was conducted to better describe the types and location of programs examined. Results: Differences exist in program structure, access, and how care for children is monitored over time. RTS programs that serve children following TBI are located in healthcare settings, schools, and state agencies and vary in models of care due to their location and organizational structure. Conclusions: Children who experience TBI benefit from a healthcare assessment and follow-up upon RTS that includes parental involvement. Models of care for this process vary based on program location and organizational structure. Further research and program evaluation are needed to better understand effectiveness and how to optimally monitor and care for children returning to school after a concussion or TBI.

Pediatric head and neck trauma in the United States: Trends, risk factors and outcomes using the National Trauma Data Bank

“… 30 This may be attributable to continuous implementation of federal and state regulations regarding traffic laws, promoting seat belt usage, child safety seats, and motorcycle helmets. 31 , 32 …”

Long-term Participation and Functional Status in Children Who Experience Traumatic Brain Injury

“…Approaches to increase monitoring and identification of children who have more subtle or educational concerns that develop during more chronic stages of recovery are needed 45. Finally, the literature regarding evidence-based practices for addressing cognitive and executive function deficits after TBI is emerging and holds promise for translation into educational settings 46–48…”

“…45 Finally, the literature regarding evidence-based practices for addressing cognitive and executive function deficits after TBI is emerging and holds promise for translation into educational settings. [46][47][48]…”

Efficacy and safety of ketamine alone and ketamine‐dexmedetomidine combination for sedation for brain computed tomography in paediatric patients with head injuries: A retrospective study

“…Annually, more than 600 000 paediatric patients visit the emergency room in the USA; further, approximately 18 000 patients experience traumatic brain injury. 1,2 From 2014 to 2016, approximately 20% of 257 661 patients with traumatic brain injury aged <14 years underwent brain CT. 3 Despite recent advances in high-speed CT, patients still require movement restrictions to obtain accurate test results. Therefore, some children who need a CT scan but are uncooperative may require sedation.…”

“…Annually, more than 600 000 paediatric patients visit the emergency room in the USA; further, approximately 18 000 patients experience traumatic brain injury 1,2 . From 2014 to 2016, approximately 20% of 257 661 patients with traumatic brain injury aged <14 years underwent brain CT 3 .…”