2017 — Traumatic Brain Injury in OIF/OEF Veterans: Opportunities and Challenges for Health Services Research
Sayer N (Minneapolis VAMC), Vanderploeg R , Walker R , Hall C
(Minneapolis VAMC), Griffin J
(Minneapolis VAMC)
Workshop Objectives:
During the Global War on Terror (GWoT), America’s armed forces are sustaining new and complex patterns of blast-related injuries. In combat, sources of blast injury include artillery, rocket and mortar shells, mines, booby traps, aerial bombs, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). Given the possible effects of explosions on the human body, it is not surprising that blast injuries are often “polytraumatic”, meaning that they affect more than one body system or organ. Traumatic Brain Injury is particularly common. It has been estimated that over 60% of blast injuries result in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and TBI has been labeled the “signature injury” in the GWoT. The overall objective of this workshop is to promote collaborative multidisciplinary research to improve service delivery and outcomes for OEF/OIF veterans with TBI.
Activities:
The panel will present: (1) an overview of the Polytrauma System of Care and associated policies (Sayer), (2) current methods of and challenges to screening and assessment of mild to moderate TBI (Vanderploeg), (3) current methods of and challenges to assessment and treatment of co-morbid pain in outpatients with TBI (Walker), and (4) current understanding of the role and needs of family caregivers across the continuum of care and challenges to conducting research in this area (Hall and Griffin). In their presentations, panelists will discuss specific projects currently underway to fill knowledge/evidence gaps and meet the needs of OIF/OEF veterans with TBI and their family members. They will also discuss priorities for future research in the above areas. Attendees involved in the Polytrauma System of Care and/or conducting research related to these topics will be encouraged to discuss their experiences and bring questions to the panel.
Target Audience:
HSR&D researchers with interest in post-deployment health including TBI.
Assumed Audience Familiarity with Topic:
None
