{
  "abstract": "Introduction Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a significant health concern in Ireland with approximately 19,000 cases reported annually. Post-Traumatic Amnesia (PTA), characterised by confusion, memory disturbance, and impaired attention, is a key indicator of TBI severity. Accurate PTA assessment is crucial, as prolonged PTA is associated with poorer cognitive and functional outcomes. Currently, there is no standardised PTA tool used in Ireland. However, the Westmead Post-Traumatic Amnesia Scale (WPTAS) is internationally recognised and recommended for PTA assessment and management. This evidence review synthesises literature and clinical neuro-trauma experience to identify barriers and facilitators to implementing WPTAS in an Irish adult Emergency Department (ED).Methods A systematic literature search of CINAHL and PubMed was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Five relevant studies addressing implementation factors were identified to apply the INCOG 2.0 “Guidelines for Cognitive Rehabilitation Following TBI, Part 1: PTA” (2023) within an ED setting. Guideline quality was appraised using AGREE II and AGREE REX tools.Results Research demonstrates the use of the WPATS can improve early recognition at presentation, guiding decisions on admission, discharge, imaging, environmental modifications, monitoring, and staffing. However, several barriers hinder the adoption of the WPTAS in the ED setting, including workflow pressures, limited staff familiarity, and resource constraints. Key enablers of successful implementation include strong leadership support, targeted staff training and active multidisciplinary engagement. While existing research supports the benefits of the WPTAS, there remains a lack of implementation studies specifically focused on ED contexts.Conclusion WPTAS offers clear clinical value for TBI management in ED. To translate evidence into practice, implementation research addressing local barriers and leveraging facilitators is essential. Integrating the WPTAS into ED practice could enhance diagnostic accuracy, patient safety, and long-term recovery trajectories following TBI. *presenting author",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland"
      ],
      "name": "Molly Breen"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland"
      ],
      "name": "Deirdre Breslin"
    }
  ],
  "title": "#220 A systematic review of the use of the Westmead post-traumatic amnesia scale for traumatic brain injury in the emergency department",
  "uid": "2301939a-a0d6-594a-9092-4433f9c538bd"
}