Neuro/rehabilitation psychology - Dissertation Example

METHODOLOGY The study was conducted to be able to present the validity of the Patient Treatment Form (PTF) in the assessment of the traumatic braininjury patients. It can be classified as the relationship between the examination of the neurobehavioral cognitive status, the functional independence measure and the patient treatment form in traumatic brain injury patients. To be able to achieve the goals of the research, the qualitative form of research was undertaken. Specifically, a retrospective study is considered as the most efficient method that can be utilized in the research conducted. The study was undertaken through the study of the information on patients that had already been recorded to be able to view the results on a more objective but critical manner. Research Design The use of the quantitative form of research can be considered as an important and essential method in the medical field. Compared to the qualitative form of study that presents critical view and analysis of the under study with sensitivity on the social aspects, the quantitative form of research deals with the frequency of the people in certain subjects under study. It can be considered as an important method in the medical field specifically in the neurological and behavioral field of study wherein critical analysis is of greater weight. The study in the said field requires the application of the analytical skills thus the consideration of factors with influence to the results of the study is undertaken. In certain cases, social factors are considered (Camic, Rhodes & Yardley, 2003). It is important to consider that although the science of neurology and behavioral medicine can be considered as an objective field, social relations is important specifically when behavioral and cognitive skills are measured (Flick, 2006). The study that was undertaken was considered as a retrospective form of qualitative research due to the fact that patients had experienced traumatic brain injury. Basically, due to the historical study on the basis of the behavior and neurological condition after the injury can be considered as an important data in the study. Study Participants The study was focused on the achievement of the predetermined goals through the study of 60 subjects that fall under the required characteristics. The most important of the said prerequisites is the comparative analysis of the patients that had experienced traumatic brain injury. In a given period of March 2004 through July of 2005 inclusive prior to the study that was undertaken, patients that has been admitted to 4 different hospitals due to brain injury were contacted and gathered. The survival in terms of traumatic injury can be considered as one of the criteria of inclusion. Fifteen to twenty patients were contacted to be able to achieve the 60-patient quota that can be considered advisable in the study since every participant’s total behavior shall be observed and studied. Age is also another important factor. It is important to have representations of different age groups, the patients that can be gathered on the basis of the set period of research and data gathering can be considered as a limitation. Due to the preconceived constraint, the ages 16 to 60 years old were considered to be included in the sample population provided that the primary criterion was satisfied, that having experienced and survived traumatic brain injury. Specifically, one of the main prerequisite in the inclusion criteria is inpatient rehabilitation program on the basis of the mild to severe trauma that had been diagnosed at an earlier period of time. The period mentioned above which is March 2004 until July 2005 is the main target of the study. Due to the said requirement, it is important to determine the etiology of the injury. There are different cases that can cause traumatic brain injury (TBI). Closed-head injury can occur on the basis of different reasons such as accidents specifically related to motor vehicles. Other reasons for TBI can be related to assaults, cases that often involve legal aspects. Another reason that can be considered on the etiology of injury is also a form of accident. Such cases that can also be considered in the inclusion criteria are fall and work related accidents which can also include anoxia and hypoxia depending on the background of work undertaken. There are also cases wherein accidents and TBI can be related to sports and recreation activities. Patients that are considered for the study are those that had been admitted due to TBI and are basically recommended for neuropsychological evaluation. The data that are gathered in the study and monitoring of the patient are inclusive of the different measurement of neurological activity related to cognitive and behavioral concerns. These instruments of use in the study that was conducted are FIM, Cognistat, PTF. The main goal of the study is to basically achieve a comparative research on the different measurements and instruments of neurological study. Study Instruments and Variables Based on the goal of the study, the main objective is to determine the effectiveness and clinical utility of the different instrument in the study of neurological activity. These instruments and concepts of the study are the PTF, FIM and Cognistat. The primary phase is the measurement of each data and gathering of information pertinent to the study. The main focus is PTF and the comparative analysis with the other measurements. The data that are gathered are statistical in nature. These are interpreted to be able to present a comparative analysis of the different measurements such as FIM, Cognistat, and the PTF. These tools and measurement of cognitive skills are gathered on a regular basis to be able to determine the progress of the patient on the basis of different cognitive skills and functions. These measurements then incorporate different forms of tests that can specifically test different areas of cognition. Such variables are to be measured against time to achieve progression in results. Such cognitive function tests have the ability to target different forms of areas, thus, can predict which areas of the brain are affected. Such results then can determine the correlation between the physical injury and the cognitive work and functioning of the brain. Varying patterns can also predict changes in the brain caused by the trauma. Basically, the data that are gathered through the use of these research instruments are also considered as the variables that are under study in the research conducted, thus, the results are the main target and focus of the critical analysis and interpretation. The instruments that are used to measure the effects of the TBI to patients are also considered as the cognition and mental status examinations. The function of these tests to be able to assess the statues of the cognition of patients can be attributed to the fact that such examinations and tests are composed of simple questions that can gauge the required cognitive skills. There are different skills that are measured that can be related to cognition. Although such tests can be considered as basic, assessment can be achieved. One of the examples that can be sited in terms of the skills that are tested is retentiveness. Sentences, statements and even words are given and asked to be retained and recalled at the end of the examination. Even the solution of basic problems in mathematics can determine which area of the brain had been affected, if any changes can be noticed and observed. Another is the tests in visualization wherein objects may be identified and even duplicated and drawn to test even the motor skills. This is important although the cognitive skills are the main focus. Included in the skills are the speech and language proficiency. Speech and written skills are also given attention. This can be attributed to the fact that such skills are also related to cognition. The command of comprehension is also determined through instructions that are given to the patients. The instructions are considered on the basis of increasing complexity. Another important aspect is the behavior of the patients through the course of the examination. This can be attributed to the fact that certain actions and mannerisms can give out different issues regarding the cognition and behavior. Another reason is the fact that the purpose of the study that was conducted is not limited in the cognitive skills but also the behavioral aspect. Data Gathering The data was gathered on the basis of the three measurements under study. There are different periods in the patient’s time admitted that the PTF, FIM and the Cognistat are undertaken. These measurements are considered as important assessment in terms of the standard research rating scales. The result of the PTF is determined on a weekly basis by the hospital personnel to be able to measure the development of the patient on the cognitive aspect. On the other hand, a monitor of the daily behaviors is also recorded to be able to determine the activity of daily living skills (ADL’s). Another tool in the study is the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), which is included in the neurocognitive screening tools. This can be considered essential specifically in the monitoring of the traumatic brain injury patients. The FIM is monitored to be able to assess the condition of the patient upon admission. The said measure can be considered as a subjective but the main goal is to have a record of the initial state of the patients through a descriptive report pertaining to important vital signs and particular behavior. The gathered information can be considered vital in the assessment of the condition of the patient. Related descriptive reports are also undertaken through the course of admission and until the release of the patient. The record is essential in research and studies of the said cases. Cognistat is also a measure of the progress of the patient through the determination of the changes in the cognitive skills of the patient through the course of the hospitalization. The Cognistat is also referred to as Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination. This can be considered as one of the most important measurement in the study of the neurological functions. Upon the gathering of such data, it can be compared to be able to determine to achieve the needed result from the study that was conducted. It is important to consider the fact that increasing the number of observations increases the validity of the data. This can be attributed to the fact that data gathering is undertaken consequently in a certain period of time in a regular manner. Another important assessment process is the Test-retest statistical measure to be able to project the variation in the successive data gathered. Value of the variables that are above or below the predicted range, the changes can be determined. The decrements and the increments can give an estimate on the changes that can be occurring in the brain of the patients that are under study. Projected Analysis The statistical data that are gathered involving the different measurement of cognitive skills such as FIM, PTF and Cognistat are then analyzed. A comparative study was undertaken involving the three variables. Also, correlation relationship is undertaken. Presence of correlation relationship between PTF and the two other factors such as Cognistat and FIM, a new tool can be provided for the study of clinical cases of TBI. This can be attributed to the fact that these measurements are considered legitimate for the determination and measurement of the activity in terms of cognition in patients that had experienced brain traumatic injury. Data Organization and Analysis Upon the gathering of data regarding the 60 subjects that were chosen through the inclusion criteria which were predetermined prior to the study conducted, the information gathered that were recorded are organized and analyzed to be able to come up with the output of the quantitative retrospective study. In terms of the data that are gathered in a quantitative research study, statistical methods of analysis are commonly applied. The pattern of decrements and increments in the data are analyzed through the utilization of the test-retest statistical measurement. Other forms of data analysis such as the measure of variation are also important. Ethical Consideration In any form or type of research it is important to consider the ethical aspect. This can be attributed to the fact that an academic result in the research process requires the consideration of the ethical rules and factors. One is in terms of data gathering during the field research process. It is important to inform the patients on the goals and objectives of the study being conducted. This can be attributed to the fact that these individuals have the right to make the decisions in terms of being included in the study. In cases wherein the patients themselves can have problems in communicating and even reaching a decision for themselves, the relatives and the guardians are needed to be informed. The subjects of the study, the patients of TBI, can be considered as the most important component of the study, thus, every right to make decisions should be given to them to be able to abide the ethical prerequisites of academic study. Other issues that can be considered of importance are the citation and the references that are used in the study. It can be considered as a primary rule to give proper recognition to the authors and researchers that had presented different concepts prior to the study being conducted. This can be attributed to the fact that such concepts are essential to the onset, undertaking and even the analysis of the study being conducted. Even the limitations of prior studies can result to the improvement and the development of the accumulated data and knowledge regarding a particular issue and concept under study. The Overview of the Study Conducted The mental state of the patient can be considered as the main focus of the study that was conducted. The neurobehavioral aspect is the main concept measured in the study. The variable that are used to measure can be considered as the main tools that can be used. Upon measuring the cognitive skills of the patients and the changes in terms of the responses the effects of the traumatic brain injury on the physiological structure can be considered and analyzed. The tests that are included in the study are aimed to target the analysis of the cognitive ability of the patient and the state of consciousness of the patient. Also the general appearance including the behavior of the patient is also considered. Included in the said factors are the reactions and responses of the patients to different stimuli, the mood, the ideas and the construction of the concepts and even the different intellectual activity. Even the orientation of the patient in terms of the time, the place and other situations in the environment are considered in the study that was conducted. These are included in the factors that are measured are the said parameters. On the basis of the collection of results on prior studies in the field, the correlation of the PTF with Cognistat is considered as the main focus of the study to be able to determine the value to be compared with FIM. But the FIM can be considered as an essential tool in the measurement of the population that had encountered brain injury. The results of the study will ultimately present ways to be able to develop the possible resolution to the cases of cognitive malfunctions in cases of traumatic brain injuries. Basically planning is the primary step. The rehabilitation interventions are also included in the important areas that can be targeted upon the in depth studies of relate issued. The study then is considered as a preliminary phase to be able to achieve the further development of the methods for preventing and resolving possible disability with more chances rather than the past technologies. Reference: Camic. P. M., Rhodes, J. E. and Yardley, L. (eds.) (2003). Qualitative Research in Psychology: Expanding Perspective in Methodology and Design. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Flick, U. (3rd ed.) (2006). An Introduction to Qualitative Research. USA: Sage Publications. Read More