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Massachusetts Brain Injury Web Course

As part of the sustainability plan for the “Improving the MA Systems of Care for Elders Sustaining a TBI” grant, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) has developed a free web-based course on brain injury in adults with a particular interest in elders.

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The Brain Injury Web Course was produced in collaboration with staff at the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIA-MA), MA Department of Public Health (DPH), the Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI) and several subject-matter expert consultants. The web course curricula were designed to help Massachusetts build a trained TBI work force across the entire state. The accessible course is geared for all levels of community providers and aims:

To increase public awareness around incidence of brain injury in older adults
To facilitate routine screening for brain injury in all settings
To improve access to brain injury information and resources for all

The course work is comprised of seven modules, recommended for those new to brain injury and those seeking to refresh their knowledge of the topic. Modules One and Two are required content and will need to be completed first to access the rest of the course materials. Modules Three, Four, Five, Six and Seven can be taken independently of one another after completion of Modules One and Two. A short quiz and evaluation are administered at the end of the lesson to test your knowledge and gather feedback on the experience. Your honest feedback will be used to develop new modules and to improve the skills. Your personalized username and password allows you to control the pace by which you complete each lesson.

Traumatic Brain Injury 101

In Module 1, participants will be provided with introductory information including what a TBI is, potential long-term outcomes and compensatory strategies. Cultural competence and the impact of TBI on families will also be discussed.

Screening and Resources

In Module 2, participants will review the brain injury screening tool and learn how to implement the tool and interpret results. Brain injury resources in Massachusetts will also be included.

Mental Health

In Module 3, participants will learn about several mental health disorders and review topics related to dual diagnosis of brain injury and mental illness. This module will also include potential treatment options for these individuals and support strategies for caregivers.

Psychopharmacology

In Module 4, participants will learn about common medications utilized in brain injury populations with a particular focus on elder populations. The use of off-label medications will also be reviewed.

Alcohol & Drug Use and Brain Injury

In Module 5, participants will learn the criteria for substance use disorders and review topics related to substance use, brain injury and aging. The module will discuss screening tools for individuals with brain injuries and substance use disorders, as well as treatment approaches for this population.

Homelessness

In Module 6, participants will learn about the relationship between brain injury and homelessness and strategies for working with this population. Homelessness resources and services in Massachusetts are also included in this module.

Elevating Employment Success for Job Seekers with Brain Injury

In Module 7, participants will learn how to identify, plan, and support effective vocational rehabilitation for individuals with lived experience of a brain injury seeking employment services. Individuals will be able to identify effective screening tools and evidence-based strategies and accommodations for those with cognitive impairments.

Partners

The revisions to this project in 2021-2023 were supported in part by the Beyond Bridges: The Intersection of Behavioral Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, grant number 90TBSG0071-02-00, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.
This project, Improving the MA Systems of Care for Elders Sustaining a TBI, was supported, in part by grant number 90TBSG0001-01-00, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.

Funding for this web module was made possible in part, by TI-025347 from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Mission: Housed. The views expressed in web module materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.