A nurse‐led paediatric head injury follow‐up service

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 51–56 A nurse‐led paediatric head injury follow‐up service Aim: The aim of this study was to describe a nurse‐led follow‐up service, duration of children’s late head injury symptoms and parent/child informational needs. Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children. In Sweden; 7200 children and adolescents are hospitalized every year because of head trauma, and 90% of all head traumas are considered a mild head injury. Although the head injury may be mild, 5–15% of children report sequelae (headache, dizziness, fatigue or memory problems), and the need for a follow‐up service has been proposed several times. Methods/Design: An empirical descriptive study of a nurse‐led follow‐up service to improve the quality of care among children with mild‐to‐moderate head injuries. The data were collected in the period 2003–2005 at a Swedish University Hospital. Findings: In total, 149 children (mean age: 9.3 years) received the follow‐up service. In 92% of cases, one follow‐up visit was performed. Eight per cent needed several visits to ensure symptom resolution. Ninety‐one per cent of all children described late symptoms [headache (75%) and tiredness (74%)] at the follow‐up visits. The mean symptom duration was 5 weeks. However, 18% of the children reported long‐lasting symptoms for 8 weeks, and 16 children (10%) reported long‐lasting symptoms beyond 3 months postinjury. Conclusion: An early follow‐up service with the aim of meeting the family’s needs and reducing any negative impact after a childhood head injury could minimize long‐lasting complications for both parents and children.