Efficacy of an Interdisciplinary Intensive Outpatient Program in Treating Combat-Related Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Conditions

Level of Evidence of Telehealth Rehabilitation and Behavioral Health Services for Traumatic Brain Injury: A Scoping Review

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in significant impairments in functioning associated with partial or permanent disabilities. Examining the evidence for domain-specific telehealth interventions is necessary to guide the development of effective clinical and research programs for this population. The present scoping review characterizes the level of evidence across a range of TBI-related disabilities and impairments. A literature search was performed across comprehensive databases using search terms related to TBI, rehabilitation, telehealth, and outcome. A total of 19 publications from 17 studies met inclusion criteria. Articles focused on telehealth interventions to improve global, cognitive, emotional, and physical functioning post-TBI. Levels of evidence ranged from 1 to 4 across domains, with predominantly experimental designs (level 1). Outcomes demonstrating improvement or benefit from telehealth treatments were reported across all functional domains (50-80% of studies). Results highlight the potential of telehealth interventions across the span of comprehensive interdisciplinary rehabilitation care. Expanded research is needed on remote treatment options for physical symptoms, for subgroups within TBI populations (i.e., mild TBI, military populations), as well as on remote and hybrid comprehensive rehabilitation programs.

Multidisciplinary care for patients with persistent symptoms following concussion: a systematic review

PURPOSE

To systematically characterize and assess the effectiveness of multidisciplinary care for patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Only studies describing multidisciplinary treatment, defined as intervention provided by no less than 2 healthcare disciplines, each with independent scopes of practice, for patients with PPCS were considered.

RESULTS

A total of 8 of the 1357 studies identified were included. The studies were comprised of heterogenous patient populations, care delivery systems, healthcare providers, treatment approaches, and outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest multidisciplinary care, using a needs-based approach with individual- or group-based interventions, may be more beneficial than usual care to; 1) immediately reduce concussion-related symptom complaints and improve mood and quality of life in adolescents following sports-related concussion (SRC) and, 2) may produce immediate and lasting improvements in symptom complaints of young, primarily female, adults following a non-SRC. Future studies should clearly describe the decision-making processes used to deliver care through a needs-based approach and prioritize the inclusion of objective, performance-based measures to assess outcomes.

Impact of PTSD treatment on postconcussive symptoms in veterans: A comparison of sertraline, prolonged exposure, and their combination

Many Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan struggle with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the effects of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Some people with a history of TBI report a constellation of somatic, cognitive, and emotional complaints that are often referred to as postconcussive symptoms (PCS). Research suggests these symptoms may not be specific to TBI. This study examined the impact of PTSD treatment on PCS in combat Veterans seeking treatment for PTSD. As part of a larger randomized control trial, 198 Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn (OIF/OEF/OND) Veterans with PTSD received Prolonged Exposure Therapy, sertraline, or the combination. Potential deployment related TBI, PCS, PTSD and depression symptoms were assessed throughout treatment. Linear mixed models were used to predict PCS change over time across the full sample and treatment arms, and the association of change in PTSD and depression symptoms on PCS was also examined. Patterns of change for the full sample and the subsample of those who reported a head injury were examined. Results showed that PCS decreased with treatment. There were no significant differences across treatments. No significant differences were found in the pattern of symptom change based on TBI screening status. Shifts in PCS were predicted by change PTSD and depression. Results suggest that PCS reduced with PTSD treatment in this population and are related to shift in depression and PTSD severity, further supporting that reported PCS symptoms may be better understood as non-specific symptoms.

What Does the Military Health System Need to Support Future Combat Operations? Lessons from Aeromedical Evacuations from 2008 to 2020

INTRODUCTION

Aeromedical evacuations from the past few decades have yielded massive amounts of data that may inform the Military Health System (MHS) on patient needs, specifically for understanding the inpatient and outpatient needs of evacuees. In this study, we evaluate inpatient and outpatient trends based on aeromedical evacuation data from recent conflicts. We anticipate that evacuations requiring MHS inpatient beds are primarily trauma-related and necessitate an increased need for inpatient trauma care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a descriptive analysis of aeromedical evacuations using the U.S. Transportation Command Regulating and Command & Control Evacuation System database. We queried the database for aeromedical evacuations originating from the U.S. EUCOM and ending in the CONUS, from January 1, 2008 to June 4, 2020. With the resultant data, evacuee demographics were characterized by gender, age, active duty (AD) versus non-AD, and branch of service. Following this, the proportion of battle injury to disease and non-battle injury was categorized by both patient age ranges and year. Additionally, evacuations were stratified by their ICD codes, as well as the primary specialty responsible for care. Lastly, evacuations were categorized by inpatient and outpatient care status.

RESULTS

The final dataset yielded 32,485 unique patients. The majority of evacuees were male (86.9%) with a mean age of 29.0 ± 9.6 years. Evacuees were primarily AD Military (96.7%), with the majority of those personnel being in the Army (70.2%). The total number of evacuations steadily increased from 2008 (n = 3,703) until a peak in 2010 (n = 4,929), which was also the peak year for battle injury (n = 1,472). Battle injury was also most prevalent in the 21 to 24 age group (24.7%) and declined in older age groups. Regarding diagnoses, the leading categories were injury/poisoning (33.1%), psychiatric (28.1%), and musculoskeletal (12.1%). As for specialty care of evacuees, psychiatry received the largest share of total evacuations (28.1%), followed by orthopedic surgery (22.7%) and general surgery (8.6%). Looking at proportions of inpatient and outpatient care, the majority of evacuees required outpatient care (65.6%) with a sizable minority requiring inpatient care (34.4%). Inpatient evacuations peaked in 2010 (n = 2,013), accounting for 40.8% of all evacuations that year. Orthopedic surgery had the largest share of inpatient evacuations (27.3%), followed by psychiatry (21.5%) and general surgery (18.2%). As for outpatient care, the specialties with the largest proportion of outpatient evacuations were psychiatry (33.6%), orthopedic surgery (20.3%), and neurology (9.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study reveal what the MHS can expect in future conflicts. Most evacuations are for psychiatric-/injury-/musculoskeletal-related diagnoses, typically requiring care by psychiatrists, orthopedic surgeons, or general surgeons. Outpatient care is important, though it is critical to bolster inpatient care requirements as future conflicts may bring extensive numbers of inpatient casualties. The MHS should program and plan resources accordingly, planning for the care of surgical/injured and psychiatric patients.

Identifying and Predicting Subgroups of Veterans With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Based on Distinct Configurations of Postconcussive Symptom Endorsement: A Latent Class Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To identify distinct subgroups of veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) based on configurations of postconcussive symptom (PCS) endorsement, and to examine predictors of subgroup membership.

SETTING

Outpatient Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

PARTICIPANTS

Veterans with clinician-confirmed mTBI who completed the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI), determined using the Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluation database. Individuals who tended to overreport symptoms were excluded via an embedded symptom validity scale.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study leveraging national VHA clinical data from 2012 to 2020. Latent class analysis (LCA) with a split-sample cross-validation procedure was used to identify subgroups of veterans. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine predictors of subgroup membership.

MAIN MEASURES

Latent classes identified using NSI items.

RESULTS

The study included 72 252 eligible veterans, who were primarily White (73%) and male (94%). The LCA supported 7 distinct subgroups of veterans with mTBI, characterized by diverging patterns of risk for specific PCS across vestibular (eg, dizziness), somatosensory (eg, headache), cognitive (eg, forgetfulness), and mood domains (eg, anxiety). The most prevalent subgroup was Global (20.7%), followed by Cognitive-Mood (16.3%), Headache-Cognitive-Mood (H-C-M; 16.3%), Headache-Mood (14.2%), Anxiety (13.8%), Headache-Sleep (10.3%), and Minimal (8.5%). The Global class was used as the reference class for multinomial logistic regression because it was distinguished from others based on elevated risk for PCS across all domains. Female (vs male), Black (vs White), and Hispanic veterans (vs non-Hispanic) were less likely to be members of most subgroups characterized by lesser PCS endorsement relative to the Global class (excluding Headache-Mood).

CONCLUSION

The 7 distinct groups identified in this study distill heterogenous patterns of PCS endorsement into clinically actionable phenotypes that can be used to tailor clinical management of veterans with mTBI. Findings reveal empirical support for potential racial, ethnic, and sex-based disparities in PCS among veterans, informing efforts aimed at promoting equitable recovery from mTBI in this population.

The Impact of Lifetime Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) on Mental Health Symptoms among Service Members in Interdisciplinary TBI Programs

INTRODUCTION

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is highly prevalent among active duty service members (ADSMs) and imposes a significant health burden, particularly on mental health (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] and depressive symptoms). Little is known about how TBI setting characteristics impact PTSD and depressive symptom expression in service members undergoing interdisciplinary TBI care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 455 patients enrolled in interdisciplinary, outpatient TBI programs within the military health system. Using Poisson regression with robust error variance, TBI injury setting characteristics (i.e., before military service, during military training, and during noncombat/combat deployment) were evaluated against clinically-elevated PTSD (PTSD Checklist, DSM-5 score ≥ 33) and depressive (Patient Health Questionnaire-8 score ≥ 15) symptoms.

RESULTS

In adjusted models, TBI sustained before military service was associated with less likelihood for clinically-elevated PTSD symptoms at pretreatment (prevalence ratio [PR] = 0.76, confidence interval [CI] = 0.60-0.96) and post-treatment (PR = 0.67, CI = 0.52-0.87). TBI sustained during combat deployment, however, resulted in the greatest impact on clinically-elevated pretreatment PTSD (PR = 1.49, CI = 1.16-1.91) and depressive (PR = 1.47, CI = 1.06-2.03) symptoms. Null results were found between military training/noncombat deployment and mental health symptoms. Regardless of the TBI setting, following TBI treatment, there remained 37.5% (n = 180) and 24.8% (n = 108) with clinically-elevated PTSD and depressive symptoms, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a differential impact of TBI settings, particularly between TBI sustained before military service and that from combat deployment among ADSMs enrolled in outpatient TBI programs. This may be indicative of differences in the characteristics of these environments (e.g., injury severity) or the impact of such an event during recovery from current TBIs. The large percentage of ADSMs who present with clinically-elevated mental health symptoms after treatment may suggest the need for additional resources to address mental health needs before, during, and after treatment in TBI programs.

Development of the Blast Ordnance and Occupational Exposure Measure for Self-Reported Lifetime Blast Exposures

INTRODUCTION

To address the military gap in the standardized collection of lifetime blast exposures across clinical and research endeavors, researchers at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) completed a quality improvement project that utilized systematic, iterative focus groups that leveraged the input from various stakeholders including subject matter experts, clinical providers, and service members (SMs) to develop a comprehensive, self-report blast exposure inventory that could be completed within 5-10 minutes. This manuscript outlines the process of the development of this inventory.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This project included three phases of focus groups that occurred at the NICoE between August 2020 and March 2021 to collect feedback and input from relevant military stakeholders. The study team utilized related assessments available in the literature, together with clinical experience with the NICoE patient population, to inform the development of an initial draft inventory. Phase 1 consisted of blast injury research subject matter experts who had extensive experience researching and providing clinical care to SMs exposed to blast. Phase 2 consisted of NICoE clinicians across numerous clinical specialties. Phase 3 included current active duty patients in the NICoE intensive outpatient program.

RESULTS

Following completion of the focus groups, a lifetime blast exposure inventory was developed in the form of a single page table including incoming, outgoing, training, and operational exposures and broken down by levels of weapon systems as well as breaching and explosive ordnance disposal exposures. In addition, select questions related to the first and most recent blast exposures and experience as an instructor for explosive ordnance disposal- and breaching-related training were included.

CONCLUSIONS

Researchers at the NICoE developed a self-report blast exposure inventory through a quality improvement project that included active, ongoing participation and feedback of clinical experts and military SMs. The end result is a brief, single page inventory that can be administered within 5-10 minutes. Although additional research is needed to refine and validate the inventory, the project team believes that the tool begins to address a long-standing gap in the DoD in the standardized collection of lifetime blast exposures.

Rethinking Health and Health Care: How Clinicians and Practice Groups Can Better Promote Whole Health and Well-Being for People and Communities

A new National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report, "Achieving Whole Health: A New Approach for Veterans and the Nation," redefines what it means to be healthy and creates a roadmap for health systems, including the Veterans Health Administration and the nation, to scale and spread a whole health approach to care. The report identifies 5 foundational elements for whole health care and sets 6 national, state, and local policy goals for change. This article summarizes the report, emphasizes the importance of preventive medicine, and identifies concrete actions clinicians and practices can take now to deliver whole health care.

Presenting symptoms as prognostic measures of mental health recovery among service members with concussion

Background

Comorbid mental illness may negatively impact recovery from concussion. This study evaluated whether the level of symptom clusters at clinic intake contribute to poor mental health recovery in concussed patients during treatment, which may in turn serve as a target intervention.

Objective

The objective of this study is to examine the association between the level of initial symptoms and mental health symptoms among service members with concussion.

Methods

Data were obtained from 483 active duty service members treated in interdisciplinary treatment programs for traumatic brain injury, all of which were concussions. Pre-treatment symptom clusters included self-reported hyperarousal, dissociation/depression, cognitive dysfunction/headache and neurological symptoms. The outcomes, clinically-relevant decreases in depressive symptoms (assessed by the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-8) and PTSD symptoms (assessed by the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, PCL-5), were defined as a decrease in PHQ-8 > 5 and PCL-5 > 7, respectively. Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to evaluate the relationship between the level of each symptom cluster and clinically-relevant decrease in outcomes.

Results

Participants with higher (vs. lower) levels of pre-treatment hyperarousal and dissociation/depression symptom cluster were less likely to improve in depressive and PTSD symptoms during treatment. The level of cognitive/headache and neurological symptom clusters were not significantly associated with any symptom changes.

Conclusion

These findings support the need for individualized treatment for symptoms identified and treated after determining concussion history, with particular attention to high levels of hyperarousal and dissociation/depression prior to treatment.

An examination of volumetric and cortical thickness correlates of posttraumatic nightmares in male active duty service members

Posttraumatic nightmares commonly occur after a traumatic experience. Despite significant deleterious effects on well-being and their role in posttraumatic stress disorder, posttraumatic nightmares remain understudied. The neuroanatomical structures of the amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and anterior cingulate cortex constitute the AMPHAC model (Levin and Nielsen, 2007), which is implicated in the neurophysiology of disturbing dreams of which posttraumatic nightmares is a part. However, this model has not been investigated using neuroimaging data. The present study sought to determine whether there are structural differences in the AMPHAC regions in relation to the occurrence of posttraumatic nightmares. Data were obtained from treatment-seeking male active duty service members (N = 351). Posttraumatic nightmares were not significantly related to gray matter volume, cortical surface area, or cortical thickness of any the AMPHAC regions when controlling for age and history of mild traumatic brain injury. Although the present analyses do not support an association between structural measures of AMPHAC regions and posttraumatic nightmares, we suggest that functional differences within and/or between these brain regions may be related to the occurrence of posttraumatic nightmares because functional and structural associations are distinct. Future research should examine whether functional differences may be associated with posttraumatic nightmares.

Use of person-centered goals to direct interdisciplinary care for military service members and Veterans with chronic mTBI and co-occurring psychological conditions

OBJECTIVE

To explore the use of person-centered goals (PCGs) to direct interdisciplinary care to support PCG attainment in military service members and Veterans (SM/Vs) with chronic mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and co-occurring psychological conditions.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was completed for 146 United States military SM/Vs reporting chronic symptoms following mTBI and co-occurring psychological conditions who received care in the SHARE Military Initiative intensive outpatient program, a donor-funded program administered by a not-for-profit hospital, between April 1, 2015 and March 31, 2019. PCGs were used to direct care consisting of individual and group-based interventions and therapies delivered by an interdisciplinary, co-located team including behavioral health, case management, neurology or physiatry, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, recreation therapy, speech-language pathology, and transition support. The primary outcome measure was PCG attainment measured via goal attainment scaling.

RESULTS

Increased PCG attainment was demonstrated at program discharge and throughout the first year following program discharge. Predictors of goal attainment at discharge included longer participation in treatment, greater reduction in depressive symptoms and greater improvement in adjustment at discharge, male gender, and higher cognitive and physical abilities on admission.

CONCLUSIONS

This sample of military SM/Vs with mTBI and co-occurring psychological conditions who received intensive, interdisciplinary, PCG directed care demonstrated increased PCG attainment at program discharge which further increased with transition support over the year post-discharge. Results suggest PGC goal directed care is a feasible, promising methodology of individualizing treatment in this population. This exploratory study lays a foundation for future prospective, controlled, comparative effectiveness research that will further understanding of the effectiveness of intensive, interdisciplinary, PCG directed care.

Systematic Review and Dosage Analysis: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Efficacy in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Persistent Postconcussion Syndrome

Background

Mild traumatic brain injury results in over 15% of patients progressing to Persistent Postconcussion Syndrome, a condition with significant consequences and limited treatment options. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been applied to Persistent Postconcussion Syndrome with conflicting results based on its historical understanding/definition as a disease-specific therapy. This is a systematic review of the evidence for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in Persistent Postconcussion Syndrome using a dose-analysis that is based on the scientific definition of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a dual-component drug composed of increased barometric pressure and hyperoxia.

Methods

In this review, PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Systematic Review Database were searched from August 8–22, 2021 for all adult clinical studies published in English on hyperbaric oxygen therapy in mild traumatic brain injury Persistent Postconcussion Syndrome (symptoms present at least 3 months). Randomized trials and studies with symptomatic and/or cognitive outcomes were selected for final analysis. Randomized trials included those with no-treatment control groups or control groups defined by either the historical or scientific definition. Studies were analyzed according to the dose of oxygen and barometric pressure and classified as Levels 1–5 based on significant immediate post-treatment symptoms or cognitive outcomes compared to control groups. Levels of evidence classifications were made according to the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and a practice recommendation according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Methodologic quality and bias were assessed according to the PEDro Scale.

Results

Eleven studies were included: six randomized trials, one case-controlled study, one case series, and three case reports. Whether analyzed by oxygen, pressure, or composite oxygen and pressure dose of hyperbaric therapy statistically significant symptomatic and cognitive improvements or cognitive improvements alone were achieved for patients treated with 40 HBOTS at 1.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA) (four randomized trials). Symptoms were also improved with 30 treatments at 1.3 ATA air (one study), positive and negative results were obtained at 1.2 ATA air (one positive and one negative study), and negative results in one study at 2.4 ATA oxygen. All studies involved <75 subjects/study. Minimal bias was present in four randomized trials and greater bias in 2.

Conclusion

In multiple randomized and randomized controlled studies HBOT at 1.5 ATA oxygen demonstrated statistically significant symptomatic and cognitive or cognitive improvements alone in patients with mild traumatic brain injury Persistent Postconcussion Syndrome. Positive and negative results occurred at lower and higher doses of oxygen and pressure. Increased pressure within a narrow range appears to be the more important effect than increased oxygen which is effective over a broad range. Improvements were greater when patients had comorbid Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Despite small sample sizes, the 1.5 ATA HBOT studies meet the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Level 1 criteria and an American Society of Plastic Surgeons Class A Recommendation for HBOT treatment of mild traumatic brain injury persistent postconcussion syndrome.

The Marcus Institute for Brain Health: an integrated practice unit for the care of traumatic brain injury in military veterans

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a signature wound of recent Unites States military conflicts. The National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) has demonstrated that interdisciplinary care is effective for active-duty military personnel with TBI and related psychological health conditions. This paper details how the Marcus Institute for Brain Health (MIBH), established in 2017 as an Integrated Practice Unit (IPU), is founded on the NICoE model and is dedicated to interdisciplinary care for Veterans with persistent symptoms due to TBI and psychological comorbidities.

RESEARCH DESIGN

A highly integrated group of clinicians from diverse disciplines combine their expertise to offer comprehensive evaluation, intensive outpatient treatment, and program outcomes evaluation.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

The role of each discipline in the provision of care, and the regular interaction of all clinicians, are delineated. A strong connection to academic medicine is maintained so that clinical research and education complement patient care.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Over three hundred veterans and family members have received treatment at the MIBH. Program evaluation is underway.

CONCLUSIONS

As the understanding of TBI and related psychological conditions continues its rapid evolution, the expert interdisciplinary care at the MIBH has great promise as a Veteran counterpart of the NICoE.

Risk Factors Associated With the Prescription of Opioids Among Service Members Following a First Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate factors impacting opioid receipt among active-duty service members (SMs) following a first mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

SETTING

Active-duty SMs receiving care within the Military Health System.

PARTICIPANTS

In total, 14 757 SMs who have sustained an initial mTBI, as documented within electronic health records (EHRs), between 2016 and 2017.

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of EHR metadata.

MAIN MEASURES

Multivariable logistic regression assessed factors impacting opioid receipt and initiation. Factors include demographics, military characteristics, and preexisting clinical conditions, including prior opioid prescription.

RESULTS

Of the sample population, 33.4% (n = 4927) were prescribed opioids after their initial mTBI, of which, 60.6% (n = 2985) received opioids for the first time following injury. Significant risk factors associated with the increased probability of opioid receipt included age, gender, and preexisting behavioral health and musculoskeletal conditions. Military characteristics also exhibited changes in the probability of opioid receipt, both among initiation and new prescription. No changes were observed among race, nor among those with preexisting headaches or migraines.

CONCLUSION

Despite concerns about the negative impact on recovery, the prescribing of opioids is common in this population of active-duty SMs first diagnosed with an mTBI. As several demographic and preexisting health conditions are factors in the receipt of opioids post-mTBI, the entire medical history of these patients should be considered prior to prescription. Understanding these factors may further inform policy for opioid use in the Military Health System.

From Provider to Advocate: The Complexities of Traumatic Brain Injury Prompt the Evolution of Provider Engagement

Treating a patient with traumatic brain injury requires an interdisciplinary approach because of the pervasive, profound and protean manifestations of this condition. In this review, key aspects of the medical history and review of systems will be described in order to highlight how the role of any provider must evolve to become a better patient advocate. Although this review is written from the vantage point of a vision care provider, it is hoped that patients, caregivers and providers will recognize the need for a team approach.