A new study highlights the current practices in the use of cognitive screens in major trauma centres (MTCs) across England. The findings were published in the journal Trauma.
Researchers collected data on the use of cognitive screens through electronic surveys distributed to clinical psychologists and clinical neuropsychologists in MTCs across England. Fourteen psychologists from 27 MTCs completed the survey.
The Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-III and Montreal Cognitive Assessment were the most frequently used screens for cognitive difficulties after a traumatic brain injury (50% and 42%, respectively). The use of cognitive screening pathways was multidisciplinary in nature, with occupational therapists (86%), psychologists (qualified 79%; assistant 57%), psychiatrists (36%), mental health nurses (7%) and therapy assistants (7%) using them.
The authors suggest that the commonly used cognitive screens "should be used in combination with communication, functional and behavioural assessments with the option for consultation with neuropsychology where appropriate."
