Preconference Sessions
Below is a listing of preconference sessions from ARN's 2018 conference. Review it to read about our great educational sessions from 2018 or learn about the ARN REACH Annual Meeting.
Management of Problematic Behaviors After Acquired Brain Injury [001]
October 17, 8 am – 11:30 am
Robert Karol, PhD ABPP-RP CBIST
President
Karol Neuropsychological Services & Consulting
Eden Prairie, MN
Description
During his presentation, Robert Karol addressed difficult to manage behaviors after acquired brain injury such as physical aggression, verbal aggression, elopement or wandering, manipulation, noncompliance, agitation, etc. He discussed brain regions and the behavioral symptoms of damage. Additionally, Karol covered emotional (depression, grief, denial, paranoia) and cognitive (attention, memory, verbal and nonverbal reasoning, executive) variables that contribute to behavioral dyscontrol.
Karol's presentation covered typical interventions (counseling, skill building, and consequences), as well as environmental manipulation that can ameliorate behavioral symptoms. He distinguished a transdisciplinary team approach to facilitate behavioral intervention from the traditional team approach (multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams).
Learning Objectives
- Describe factors that drive behavior
- Explain traditional treatment methods
- Understand environmental intervention
Member $135; Nonmember $185; pre-registration required.
Professional Rehabilitation Nurse and FIM: Expertise and Collaboration [002]
October 17, 12:30 – 4 pm
Cynthia B. Hernandez, MSN/Ed RN CRRN
SCI Nurse Educator
James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital
Tampa, FL
Description
Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scoring accuracy is an essential skill for every member of the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team. FIM has many functions in rehabilitation facilities, including measurable goal setting, precise interdisciplinary communication regarding patient function, program evaluation, and documentation for reimbursement. The rehabilitation nurse plays an essential role in accurate FIM documentation.
Cynthia Hernandez presented key concepts of the role of the rehabilitation nurse as a critical member of the interdisciplinary team related to patient independence and FIM. Attendees learned how to ensure patient function outside of therapy sessions is included in the determination of FIM scores. Hernandez also reviewed the FIM tool, including an interactive discussion of its 18 elements and strategies to improve accuracy.
Learning Objectives
- Identify 3 strategies to improve nurse communication within nursing and interdisciplinary teams regarding FIM
- Demonstrate accurate scoring of the 18 elements of the FIM tool
