RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: A partnered evaluation project with Veterans Health Administration Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation program office uses a partner-engaged approach to characterize and evaluate the national implementation of traumatic brain injury (TBI)Intensive Evaluation and Treatment Program (IETP). OBJECTIVE: This paper illustrates a partner-engaged approach to contextualizing the IETP within an implementation research logic model (IRLM) to inform program sustainment and spread. SETTING: The project was conducted at five IETP sites: Tampa, Richmond, San Antonio, Palo Alto, and Minneapolis. PARTICIPANTS: Partners included national and site program leaders, clinicians, Department of Defense Referral Representatives, and researchers. Participants included program staff (n = 46) and Service Members/Veterans (n = 48). DESIGN: This paper represents a component of a larger participatory-based concurrent mixed methods quality improvement project. MAIN MEASURES: Participant scripts and demographic surveys. METHODS: Datasets were analyzed using rapid iterative content analysis; IETP model was iteratively revised with partner feedback. Each site had an IETP clinical team member participate. The IRLM was contextualized within the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR); systematic consensus building expert reviewed implementation strategies; RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance); and Implementation Outcomes Framework (IOF). RESULTS: Analyses and partner feedback identified key characteristics, determinants, implementation strategies, mechanisms, and outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This partner-engaged IRLM informs implementation and sustainment of a rehabilitation program for individuals with TBI. Findings will be leveraged to examine implementation, standardize core outcome measurements, and inform knowledge translation.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a concern for US service members and veterans (SMV), leading to heterogeneous psychological and cognitive outcomes. We sought to identify neuropsychological profiles of mild TBI (mTBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the largest SMV sample to date. METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional baseline data from SMV with prior combat deployments enrolled in the ongoing Long-term Impact of Military-relevant Brain Injury Consortium-Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium prospective longitudinal study. Latent profile analysis identified symptom profiles using 35 indicators, including physical symptoms, depression, quality of life, sleep quality, postconcussive symptoms, and cognitive performance. It is important to note that the profiles were determined independently of mTBI and probable PTSD status. After profile identification, we examined associations between demographic variables, mTBI characteristics, and PTSD symptoms with symptom profile membership. RESULTS: The analytic sample included 1,659 SMV (mean age 41.1 ± 10.0 years; 87% male); among them 29% (n = 480) had a history of non-deployment-related mTBI only, 14% (n = 239) had deployment-related mTBI only, 36% (n = 602) had both non-deployment and deployment-related mTBI, and 30% (n = 497) met criteria for probable PTSD. A 6-profile model had the best fit, with separation on all indicators (p < 0.001). The model revealed distinct neuropsychological profiles, representing a combination of 3 self-reported functioning patterns: high (HS), moderate (MS), and low (LS), and 2 cognitive performance patterns: high (HC) and low (LC). The profiles were (1) HS/HC: n=301, 18.1%; (2) HS/LC: n=294, 17.7%; (3) MS/HC: n=359, 21.6%; (4) MS/LC: n=316, 19.0%; (5) LS/HC: n=228, 13.7%; and (6) LS/LC: n=161, 9.7%. SMV with deployment-related mTBI tended to be grouped into lower functioning profiles and were more likely to meet criteria for probable PTSD. Conversely, SMV with no mTBI exposure or non-deployment-related mTBI were clustered in higher functioning profiles and had a lower likelihood of meeting criteria for probable PTSD. DISCUSSION: Findings suggest varied symptom and functional profiles in SMV, influenced by injury context and probable PTSD comorbidity. Despite diagnostic challenges, comprehensive assessment of functioning and cognition can detect subtle differences related to mTBI and PTSD, revealing distinct neuropsychological profiles. Prioritizing early treatment based on these profiles may improve prognostication and support efficient recovery.