SCREENING DEVICE
As a screening device for mild to moderate head injury (PTA < 24 hours) the Westmead PTA Scale is at a distinct disadvantage because it requires patients to stay in hospital for a minimum of 4 consecutive days while testing is carried out. What is needed is an adaptation of the Westmead PTA Scale which is suitable for screening purposes. To test this new instrument Gronwall & Wrightson's 1980 study provides a useful guide.
ORIENTATION BOARDS
The use of orientation boards is common in rehabilitation facilities even though there are few well controlled studies into their efficacy (Richardson, 1990). If orientation boards are used on your ward, they should never refer to the PTA picture cards and should be removed or covered up prior to testing.
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