A Comparison of Psychiatric and Nonpsychiatric Nurse Practitioner Knowledge and Management Recommendations Regarding Adolescent Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nurse practitioners (NPs) are statutorily authorized to provide assessment and cognitive recommendations for concussion in most states. Their scope of practice includes assessment and management of concussion sequalae including anxiety, insomnia, and depression, as well as return to school and activity guidance. OBJECTIVES: Analysis of symptom-based diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) in adolescents, including return to school and school workload recommendations comparing psychiatric and nonpsychiatric NPs. DESIGN: Cross-sectional Web-based survey with embedded videos using standardized actors and scripts randomized for patient sex and sport. A total of 4,849 NPs licensed in Oregon or Washington were invited by e-mail to view and respond to this study, with a response rate of 23%. RESULTS: Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) were 44% less likely than family NPs to report using standardized concussion tools. 17% had completed continuing education on mild TBI compared to 54.5% of family NPs. Seven PMHNPs provided additional feedback related to discomfort in completing the survey due to lack of comfort or experience. Return to school recommendations and reduced workload advice did not significantly differ by NP type. CONCLUSION: PMHNPs may support individualized assessment through concussion evaluation, use of standardized tools, and differential consideration of TBI for mental health symptoms. More research is required related to the role and contribution of cognitive rest to full recovery.