Citation

Matthes J, Caples H. J. Trauma Nurs. 2014; 21(4): 186-190.

Affiliation

Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Society of Trauma Nurses)

DOI

10.1097/JTN.0000000000000062

PMID

25023843

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore ethical issues in using deception to improve participation in a patient with severe traumatic brain injury who had not responded to traditional behavioral and pharmacologic approaches.

DESIGN: Case study. PARTICIPANT: A male in inpatient neurorehabilitation with history of severe traumatic brain injury and significant behavioral disruption that limited his therapy participation.

METHODS: Behavior modification program using principles of operant conditioning that required deception.

RESULTS: Participation in therapies significantly improved and disruptive behaviors decreased.

CONCLUSION: When used cautiously and with careful consideration of the ethical implications, deception may be permissible as part of an intervention strategy with this population but only as a last resort.

Language: en