Using the OSU TBI-ID method for screening rural, older adults: a mixed methods feasibility study.

To examine the feasibility of: (1) a brain injury and screening tool (Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method; OSU TBI-ID) training for rural Area Agency on Aging (AAA) health professionals, and (2) implementation of the screening process.  A mixed methods design was utilized to assess several aspects of feasibility. Quantitatively, the researchers examined AAA health professionals' scores on a brain injury misconceptions survey, descriptive statistics about the clients screened, and health professionals' accuracy using the OSU TBI-ID. Qualitative data was collected via focus group interviews with the health professionals.  The researchers conducted brain injury education and screening tool training for AAA health professionals. Subsequently, the health professionals used the OSU TBI-ID to screen their older adult clients for brain injury.  AAA health professionals learned the OSU TBI-ID quickly and used the protocol correctly. The screening results established that 15% of the clients screened positive for brain injury; of those with positive screens, 87% did not have a previous brain injury diagnosis.  The current study presents evidence of feasibility for (1) training AAA health professionals, and (2) implementation of the OSU TBI-ID to screen older adult clients.