New Guidelines Aim to Improve Outpatient Care for Traumatic Brain Injury
Washington, D.C., Wednesday, 22 October 2025.
A new clinical practice guideline has been developed to standardize outpatient follow-up for traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, focusing on diagnosis, mental health, and patient education.
Standardizing Care for TBI Patients
The Action Collaborative on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Care, facilitated by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, has introduced a comprehensive clinical practice guideline aimed at improving outpatient follow-up care for individuals with TBI. The guideline is particularly relevant for community-dwelling adults who can manage self-care post-hospital discharge or who did not require acute hospital care. Notably, the initiative responds to inconsistencies in post-discharge management and aims to enhance patient outcomes through standardized care pathways [1][2][3].
Key Components of the Guideline
The guideline delineates 11 priority topics, emphasizing crucial areas such as confirming the diagnosis of TBI, assessing the need for emergency department evaluations, and determining when neuroimaging and neuropsychological assessments are necessary. It also highlights the importance of screening for social determinants of health, which can significantly influence recovery and rehabilitation outcomes. The focus on these areas seeks to ensure a holistic approach to patient management, integrating both medical and socio-environmental factors [1][4].
Incorporating Patient and Clinician Input
The development of this guideline was characterized by a collaborative process involving both clinicians and individuals with lived experiences of TBI. This inclusive approach facilitated the identification and prioritization of topics based on real-world challenges and needs. The recommendations were synthesized from existing guidelines using the ADAPTE process, ensuring that they are grounded in the latest evidence-based practices. The guideline was subject to rigorous external review by 20 health professional and brain injury organizations, further validating its relevance and applicability [2][5].
Emphasizing Mental Health and Education
Mental health assessments and patient education are central to the new guideline. Recognizing the complexity of TBI recovery, the guideline advises on the early identification and treatment of mental health disorders, including posttraumatic headache and persistent symptoms. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of educating patients and their families about the condition, expected recovery trajectories, and self-care strategies. This educational component is crucial for empowering patients and improving long-term outcomes [3][4].