Research in Action: Groundbreaking Advancements in TBI Treatments

Innovative Digital Support for Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

Electronic Problem-Solving Training (ePST) represents a groundbreaking advancement in traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation, offering accessible, evidence-based support for individuals navigating the cognitive, emotional and social challenges following brain injury. Developed through a community-based participatory research approach led by Shannon Juengst, PhD, CRC, at TIRR Memorial Hermann’s Brain Health and Rehabilitation Research Center (BHRRC) in collaboration with Dr. Matthew Schmidt at the University of Georgia, ePST transforms traditional problem-solving training into a flexible digital format that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. The development process, which meaningfully engaged TBI survivors, care partners and clinicians through a 33-member Community Participatory Board, is detailed in a recent publication in the Journal of Medical Internet Research. Pilot study data demonstrate remarkable results: 94% of participants reported improved goal-setting and problem-solving abilities, with 88% experiencing enhanced mood after completing the intervention. Participants completed all online modules, rating the platform exceptionally high for usability and satisfaction. Whether used independently through self-guided modules or combined with coaching sessions in a hybrid approach, ePST breaks down traditional barriers to care by eliminating scheduling conflicts, reducing costs and providing stigma-free support when and where it’s needed most.

Learn more about ePST at discoverePST.com or by emailing shannon.juengst@memorialhermann.org.