Management of challenging behaviours in patients with traumatic brain injury in acute hospital settings

This research explores the management of challenging behaviours for people with traumatic brain injury during their acute hospital admission. Evidence of management strategies are synthesised in an Umbrella review and a scoping review of clinical practice guideline recommendations. A pilot study of a consistent approach to assessment and management of challenging behaviours for patients with TBI in hospital settings was implemented with high fidelity, demonstrating lowered use or restraints and lowered hospital length of stay. Qualitative exploration of staff experiences, barriers and enablers to implementing TBI behaviour management approaches in hospital settings will occur through focus groups with acute hospital and specialist inpatient rehabilitation staff. Family members of people with TBI will be interviewed to provide their experiences of challenging behaviours in the acute stage of TBI. Data will be triangulated to develop factors to guide implementation for effective TBI behaviour management in hospital settings.