Evaluation of a Biopsychosocial Education Resource for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Mixed Method Exploratory Study

Date
2024-08-29
Authors
Faulkner, Josh W
Callagher, Elise
Snell, Deborah
Nielsen, Kristopher
Cairncross, Molly
Theadom, Alice
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Abstract

Introduction: Education is strongly advocated as a key component of treatment for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in clinical guidelines. However, there is mixed evidence on the benefit of education. This study aimed to evaluate a new education resource for mTBI. CLARITY is a freely available animated video based on a biopsychosocial conceptualization of mTBI, explaining the complex psychological, environmental and biological mechanisms behind symptoms and recovery.1

Methods: 24 adults with a history of mTBI participated in this mixed method study to examine prior experience of mTBI education and to evaluate CLARITY. Following viewing of the education video participants’ were invited to engage in a semi-structured interview and to share their perceptions of it via an online anonymous questionnaire.

Results: Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews revealed one overarching theme: education is the foundation of recovery. Participants emphasised the critical role of coherent education in facilitating understanding, engagement in rehabilitation, and positive expectations during recovery. However, the first subtheme was that existing foundations are weak. Participants’ previous education was often limited in scope, inconsistent, and delivered in inaccessible ways. The second subtheme was that new foundations are stronger. Participants responded positively to CLARITY, highlighting its explanatory biopsychosocial approach, focus on mental health factors and accessible delivery methods as key strengths. Questionnaire responses revealed favourable endorsement of CLARITY’s utility, comprehensibility and accessibility.

Discussion: Recommendations for minor refinements to CLARITY were provided and made, as well as for its use in health care services.

Description
Keywords
32 Biomedical and Clinical Sciences , 5202 Biological Psychology , 3202 Clinical Sciences , 3209 Neurosciences , 52 Psychology , Clinical Research , Brain Disorders , Neurosciences , Behavioral and Social Science , Physical Injury - Accidents and Adverse Effects , Traumatic Head and Spine Injury , Minority Health , Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) , Mental Health , 7.1 Individual care needs , Mental health , Neurological , 3 Good Health and Well Being , 4 Quality Education , 1103 Clinical Sciences , 1109 Neurosciences , 1701 Psychology , 3202 Clinical sciences , 3209 Neurosciences , 5202 Biological psychology
Source
Frontiers in Neurology, ISSN: 1664-2295 (Print); 1664-2295 (Online), Frontiers Media SA, 15, 1429928-. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1429928
Rights statement
© 2024 Faulkner, Callagher, Snell, Nielsen, Cairncross and Theadom. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.