Effect of an integrated reality orientation programme in acute care on post-traumatic amnesia in patients with traumatic brain injury

Primary objective: To assess the effect of an integrated reality orientation programme (North Star Project) in acute care on the duration of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) of patients suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI). It was hypothesized that those patients having participated in this programme would show a shorter PTA than those patients that did not. Method: Duration of PTA for 12 patients with TBI who were part of the North Star Project was compared with that of 26 patients matched for initial GCS and age for whom this approach was not available (control group). Results: Length of PTA was shorter by 5 days for the North Star patients. This result was not statistically significant (p=0.19) but is clinically relevant. No between-group difference was found for Glasgow Coma Scale. Conclusions: Consequences of shorter PTA would include increased and more appropriate patient interaction and earlier transfer to rehabilitation. The North Star project also allows the family to become more actively involved in the treatment of their loved one. Further study is required to evaluate this intervention strategy to improve orientation for the patient with TBI.