Keeping Up With the Newest Guidelines in Cognitive-Communication Rehabilitation for Brain Injury

The INCOG 2.0 Guidelines provide important advice for helping people recover from brain injuries. These guidelines focus on improving thinking, memory, and emotional well-being. Here are the main points:

1. Personalized Treatment: Every person’s recovery plan should be designed for their specific needs. This means doctors and therapists assess what each person struggles with and create a plan to help them improve in those areas.

2. Team Approach: Recovery works best when a team of experts, such as doctors, therapists, and counselors, work together. This helps provide the most complete care and support for the person recovering.

3. Setting Clear Goals: Patients should have clear, realistic goals for their recovery. These goals might include improving memory, getting better at daily activities, or returning to work or school. Having goals helps guide the treatment process and track progress.

4. Cognitive Exercises and Strategies: People in rehabilitation will practice exercises to strengthen their thinking skills, like memory and attention. They may also use tools, like planners or reminders, to help them stay organized and manage tasks.

5. Emotional and Psychological Support: It’s important to support the emotional health of the person recovering from a brain injury. Recovery can be tough, and having family, friends, and mental health professionals to help manage stress or mood changes is essential.

6. Education for Patients and Families: Both patients and their families need to understand brain injuries and the recovery process. This helps them know what to expect and how to support the recovery efforts.

7. Using Technology: Sometimes, digital tools like apps or online programs are helpful. These can provide extra exercises, reminders, and help with staying motivated during recovery.

8. Monitoring Progress: It’s important to check how well the person is doing throughout their recovery. Doctors and therapists should regularly reassess the person’s progress and adjust the treatment plan if necessary.

9. Evidence-Based Practices: Treatments and strategies used should be based on the latest research that shows they are effective for helping people recover from brain injuries.

10. Long-Term Support: Recovery doesn’t end quickly. Some people may need continued support for a long time to help them maintain their progress and adjust to any lasting changes in their thinking or behavior.

    
    

Reference:

Bayley, Mark Theodore MD, FRCPC; Janzen, Shannon MSc; Harnett, Amber MSc, BScN; Bragge, Peter PhD; Togher, Leanne PhD, BAppSc (Speech Path); Kua, Ailene MSc, PMP; Patsakos, Eleni MSc; Turkstra, Lyn S. PhD, Reg-CASLPO; Teasell, Robert MD, FRCPC; Kennedy, Mary PhD, CCC-SLP; Marshall, Shawn MD, MSc, FRCPC; Ponsford, Jennie PhD, AO, MA (Clinical Neuropsychology). INCOG 2.0 Guidelines for Cognitive Rehabilitation Following Traumatic Brain Injury: What's Changed From 2014 to Now?. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation 38(1):p 1-6, January/February 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/HTR.0000000000000826.