The Marcus Institute for Brain Health: an integrated practice unit for the care of traumatic brain injury in military veterans

Abstract

Primary objective: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a signature wound of recent Unites States military conflicts. The National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) has demonstrated that interdisciplinary care is effective for active-duty military personnel with TBI and related psychological health conditions. This paper details how the Marcus Institute for Brain Health (MIBH), established in 2017 as an Integrated Practice Unit (IPU), is founded on the NICoE model and is dedicated to interdisciplinary care for Veterans with persistent symptoms due to TBI and psychological comorbidities. Research design: A highly integrated group of clinicians from diverse disciplines combine their expertise to offer comprehensive evaluation, intensive outpatient treatment, and program outcomes evaluation. Methods and procedures: The role of each discipline in the provision of care, and the regular interaction of all clinicians, are delineated. A strong connection to academic medicine is maintained so that clinical research and education complement patient care. Main outcomes and results: Over three hundred veterans and family members have received treatment at the MIBH. Program evaluation is underway. Conclusions: As the understanding of TBI and related psychological conditions continues its rapid evolution, the expert interdisciplinary care at the MIBH has great promise as a Veteran counterpart of the NICoE.