TEAM-BASED CARE IN EMERGENCY SETTINGS: THE ROLE OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE AND NURSING IN MANAGING TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES

Abstract

Effective treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the emergency setting is largely reliant on the interplay of emergency medicine, nursing, and allied health professionals in an organized team-based system of care. This interplay allows for timely evaluation, stabilization, and the implementation of evidence-based interventions that significantly improve measurable patient outcomes and reduce complications. The addition of nursing-implemented protocols, multidisciplinary verbal and written communication, and psychosocial support also address the patients' immediate physiologic as well as more comprehensive cognitive, emotional, and social requirements. Collaborative practice guidelines and formalized education also enhance team functioning and ensure the delivery of uniform, high-quality care. Overall, team-based care in the emergency setting is key to optimizing TBI care, the delivery of unfragmented transitions of care, and ultimately improving the outcomes of long-term recovery and patient safety.