03 December 2018

Anthony Jordan
[FYI request #9010 email]

Dear Mr Jordan

                                          Ref: 0053110
Official Information Act Request
Thank you for your email of 6 November 2018 asking for the following information under the
Official Information Act 1982 (the Act):

Please provide a copy of the draft  'Standards for Head Injury Services' prepared in
September 1995

Our Response
Unfortunately, despite reasonable efforts to locate  the  Standards for Head Injury Services
draft  prepared  in 1995, ACC  has been  unable to locate this  document. For this reason,  we
refuse your request under section 18(e) of the Act.

Injury Strategy
We can however, provide some information that you may find  helpful. The Traumatic Brain
Injury Strategy and Action Plan (2017-2012)  is  guiding ACC to  prevent  and reduce  the
incidence, severity and impacts of traumatic brain injury. This supersedes the Standards for
Head Injury Services with updates and guidelines, reflecting best rehabilitation practice.  I
have attached a copy of this document to this letter.

Questions
If you have any questions about the information provided, ACC will be happy to work with
you to resolve these. Please send
your questions by email to
[email address].

You also have the right to seek an investigation and review of this response,  by the
Ombudsman.
Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or by phoning 0800 802 602.

Yours sincerely
Government Engagement & Support

Traumatic Brain Injury Strategy
and Action Plan (2017 – 2021)
Improve the quality of life of New Zealanders by reducing the
incidence, severity and impacts of traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic Brain Injury Strategy and Action Plan 2017–2021
Published in September 2017 by ACC
Wellington, New Zealand
ACC7819 September 2017
This document is available at www.acc.co.nz

Foreword
Traumatic brain injuries can happen to anyone, at any time,
with life-changing impacts – for those who sustain the injury,
their whānau and our wider society.
At ACC, we want to do everything we can to help prevent these injuries,
and to ensure that those who are injured get the best treatment and
rehabilitation possible. We know we can achieve better results through
partnering and collaboration with others, to improve the quality of life of
New Zealanders.
This document describes our strategic direction for the next five years. It
includes a strong focus on injury prevention, children, and mild traumatic
brain injury, which complements the work done since 2012 to improve
outcomes for adults with moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries.
The refreshed strategy is bold and ambitious. It has practical actions
that target improvements across the system and working with other
government agencies. Importantly, at the heart of it lies a strong client
and whānau focus. This demonstrates a high level of commitment
by government agencies to work together to achieve positive change
and improve outcomes for people at risk of, or who have, traumatic
brain injuries.
I would like to acknowledge everyone who has contributed their time,
knowledge and experience to the development of this important strategy
and action plan. We have had expert advice from many people who have
sustained traumatic brain injuries and their whānau, as well as service
providers and government agencies.
For all of us, reducing the incidence, severity and impacts of traumatic
brain injury for New Zealanders is a significant priority. I am confident
that this strategy and action plan will help deliver on this vision.
Jim Stabback
Deputy Chief Executive

Contents
Why New Zealand needs a TBI Strategy and Action Plan 1
Kupu arataki: introduction
1
Ngā honohono: linkages
3
Ngā hiahia: our aims
4
Te wawata: vision
4
Te aronga: purpose
4
Ngā whai tikanga: priorities
4
Ngā tohutohunga: guiding principles
5
Strategy on a page
6
Action timeline
7
Implementation and governance
8
Priority 1: TBIs are prevented
11
Priority 2: TBI prevention, diagnosis, treatment
and rehabilitation are effective
15
Priority 3: People with TBIs and their whānau
experience good outcomes
19
Priority 4: Workforce capability in TBI is developed
23
Roadmap: Planning to support the
implementation of actions
27
Appendix 1: Additional principles
34
Appendix 2: Current high relevance programmes
36
References 40

Acknowledgement
ACC would like to thank the many people who contributed to the development of this
Traumatic Brain Injury Strategy and Action Plan and willingly shared their time, personal
experience and vast wealth of knowledge. The input of many individuals, whānau and
organisations with personal and professional experience of traumatic brain injuries was
vital in shaping this strategy and action plan.

Why New Zealand needs a TBI
Strategy and Action Plan
Kupu arataki: introduction
Mild TBIs are commonly referred to as concussions.
ACC held data indicates that of those people with
This Traumatic Brain Injury Strategy and
mild TBIs, 10-12% need extra support beyond
Action Plan reflects the Accident Compensation
primary healthcare monitoring after their injuries.
Corporation’s (ACC’s) continued commitment
Approximately 1,200-1,500 people suffer moderate
to addressing the challenges of preventing and
TBIs and 1,750 people suffer moderate to severe
managing traumatic brain injury (TBI), while
TBIs each year. Five hundred of these people go
working alongside cross-government partners,
on to receive specialised residential rehabilitation.
service providers, ACC clients and their whānau.
About one in every 8-10 people will not seek medical
assistance or report their TBI to ACC.
TBIs can have a profound effect on the person and
their whānau. When a TBI affects a person’s quality
About 20% of concussions/mild TBIs in sport are
of life it also affects the community and the economy.
missed. This increases the risk of sustaining a more
severe TBI. To minimise the risk of second-impact
Definition
syndrome, where a second injury to the brain
occurs before the first fully resolves, preventing and
TBI is defined as an alteration in brain function, or
identifying concussion in sports is a current focus
other evidence of brain pathology, caused by an
for ACC.
external force (Carroll, Cassidy, Holm, Kraus, and
While TBIs can affect men and women of all ages,
Coronado, 2004). It can be caused by a blow, shake
males are twice as likely as females to sustain
or jolt to the head or body or a penetrating injury
moderate or severe TBIs. People living in rural areas
that disrupts the function of the brain.
also have more than twice the risk of moderate or
severe TBIs than people who live in urban areas,
TBIs occur frequently
mainly due to transport accidents.
International evidence, including a recent
Infants, children and adolescents are at greater
New Zealand study, suggests that TBI among the
risk of TBIs than any other age groups. Māori and
general population is significantly undercounted
Pacific people are overrepresented in TBI statistics
because people with mild TBIs do not always seek
(Lagolago et al., 2015). Māori were found to have
medical treatment (Feigin et al., 2013). In
a 23% greater risk of mild TBIs than New Zealand
New Zealand it is estimated that up to 36,000
Europeans in the Bionic Study 1 (Feigin et al., 2013).
people suffer TBIs each year, of which 95% are mild.
The majority do not seek medical assistance or
TBIs have multiple causes
report this to ACC.
The leading causes of TBI in New Zealand are falls,
ACC statistics show that nearly 14,000 people are
mechanical forces, driving-related accidents and
treated for TBIs each year. The cost of TBI-related
assaults 2.
claims was $83.5 million in the 2015 financial year.
TBI is a growing problem in New Zealand, with
Just over 20% of all TBIs in New Zealand are
over half of ACC’s serious injury claims relating to
sustained through sport-related activity.
TBI. The New Zealand Treasury has identified that
Most TBIs occur in communities and homes.
TBIs are second only to stroke for their impacts on
employment and income (Dixon, 2015).
1   The Brain Injury Outcomes New Zealand in the Community (BIONIC) study identified all cases of TBI within a one year period in the Hamilton and
Waikato regions of New Zealand. The study has been assessing people over the course of their recovery journeys (latest assessments conducted at four
years post-injury).
2   Refers to physical injuries purposefully inflicted onto a person. Other terms used in the document that also refer to physical injuries due to assaults are
non-accidental injuries and intentional injuries.
1

TBIs have significant impacts
Current system
TBIs can range from mild concussion (a brief change
According to people with TBIs, and their whānau,
in mental status or consciousness) to severe (an
the current system is fragmented and does not
extended period of unconsciousness and/or memory
support the achievement of the best possible results.
loss after the injury). The effects can be temporary
These views are depicted in the diagram below.
or permanent. Recent evidence suggests that
recovery after a mild TBI has a longer trajectory
Current work to prevent TBIs
than previously thought (Barker-Collo et al., 2015;
Theadom et al., 2015). Many people who experience
A number of significant partnerships and
TBIs have long-term or lifelong disabilities that affect
programmes, as well as data and research, are
their whānau, the community and the economy.
helping to prevent TBI and improve outcomes for
TBI can affect a person’s quality of life due to the
those with TBIs.
cognitive, behavioural, emotional and physical
Most injury prevention programmes involve agencies
effects on their ability to live independently,
and groups working in partnership, taking a person-
maintain relationships and return to work or
centred approach to achieving population-level
education and leisure activities.
reductions in the incidence and severity of injuries.
The burden of TBI in New Zealand is substantial
The injury prevention programmes most relevant to
and linked to other health and social factors. The
TBI target caregivers of infants, children and older
impacts of TBI are only partly determined by the
people, alcohol and drug-related harm, and sport.
nature and severity of the injury. Other equally
Prevention activities are also directed towards the
important factors include the person’s age, their
workforce to equip them to contribute to reducing
health prior to the injury, their living situation and
the incidence, severity and impacts of TBI.
their socio-cultural and economic circumstances.
Appendix 2 has a brief description of these
programmes.
TBI’s Current System Diagram (pg 4)
TBI is a leading cause of long-term disability among
children and young adults.
I don’t understand
• Insufficient information limits the ability for the person to cope
or access support and services
• Families don’t know what to expect and how to respond
What’s wrong with me?
• TBI goes unrecognised
• TBI diagnosed late
• Early treatment not sought
CURRENT
SYSTEM
What about me?
• Impacts on families not considered
• Experience of services and support not known
• TBI treated in isolation of personal circumstances
• Services are a ‘one size fits all’
Poor coordination
• Services and support provided in isolation of each other
• Rehabilitation gains lost when delays to services occur
• Other services have limited information to respond appropriately
2
ACCIDENT COMPENSATION CORPORATION

Current work to improve the
the need for a systems approach 5 and the need to
client journey
target Māori who are at higher risk of TBI.
Almost 400 people worked alongside ACC to refresh
ACC is part of the Whole of Pathways TBI
the TBI Strategy and develop the action plan.
Collaborative – a programme in the Auckland
They included people with TBIs, their whānau,
region that uses Collective Impact 3 working
service providers, support organisations and other
alongside clients, whānau, consumer organisations,
government agencies.
rehabilitation providers, primary healthcare
providers, district health boards and the Ministry
of Health to achieve improvements in the client
Nga honohono: linkages
journey for adults with moderate to severe TBIs.
Changes to date that have the potential to directly
The development of this TBI Strategy and Action
affect client outcomes include improvements in:
Plan recognises that a focus on TBI is a national
health priority.
•  access to information about TBIs for clients and
whānau
Its initiatives do not stand alone; they link
with several other strategies, plans and work
•  how providers work together to ensure an
programmes within ACC and across government
integrated approach
that share a focus on injury prevention and
•  processes between ACC and district health boards
strengthening services, support and workforce
capabilities.
•  transitions between services to avoid delays and
maintain rehabilitation momentum for clients.
These include:
Work is also underway to improve the collection and
•  ACC’s Injury Prevention Strategy
use of data that provides a system-level view using
•  the New Zealand Health Strategy 2016 6
the six domains 4 of healthcare quality.
•  the Healthy Ageing Strategy 7
The Whole of Pathways TBI Collaborative provides
a useful platform for developing and testing
•  He Korowai Oranga: Māori Health Strategy 8
improvements that can then be applied nationally.
•  Whāia Te Tika: ACC’s Māori Strategy
Previous strategy
•  Whānau Ora 9
•  the New Zealand Disability Strategy 2016-2026 10
ACC first developed a TBI Strategy in 2012, providing
a direction for several significant improvements in
•  the New Zealand Carers’ Strategy Action Plan for
TBI services for adults with moderate and severe
2014 to 2018 11
TBIs, including residential rehabilitation.
•  ACC’s Transformation Programme 12
Phase two of the TBI Strategy was undertaken
•  the ACC Provider Service Delivery Health Sector
in 2014. It introduced a focus on children, injury
Strategy
prevention and the full spectrum of TBIs and was
used as the basis of this TBI Strategy and Action Plan.
•  the Children’s Action Plan
The TBI Strategy and Action Plan (2017–2021) builds
•  Better Public Services targets relevant to health
on the previous strategy’s successful programmes
and injuries (Ministry of Health, June 2017) 13
and initiatives, while striving to achieve more than
•  the Transformation Programme for the Ministry
incremental improvements by establishing key
for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki.14
partnerships that recognise the role of whānau,
3    Collective Impact is an innovative and structured approach to making collaboration work across funders, providers, other organisations, clients and
their whānau to achieve significant and lasting change.
4   Six domains of healthcare quality uses the Institute of Medicine (IOM) framework which considers safety, effectiveness, patient-centred, timeliness,
efficacy and equity.
5   A whole of systems approach considers the entire pathway of care improving coordination of professional and organisational boundaries to achieve
high-quality services irrespective of their location where the combined impact of a range of services is greater than any single service.
6  See http://www.health.govt.nz/publication/new-zealand-health-strategy-2016
7  See http://www.health.govt.nz/publication/healthy-ageing-strategy
8  See http://www.health.govt.nz/publication/he-korowai-oranga-maori-health-strategy
9  See https://www.tpk.govt.nz/en/whakamahia/whanau-ora
10  See https://www.odi.govt.nz/assets/New-Zealand-Disability-Strategy-files/pdf-nz-disability-strategy-2016.pdf
11  See http://www.msd.govt.nz/documents/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/policy-development/carers-strategy/carers-strategy-2014-18-update.pdf
12  See https://www.acc.co.nz/about-us/media-releases/latest-news/acc-focused-on-delivering-quality-service/
13  Well Child/Tamariki Ora workforce development.
14  See https://www.mvcot.govt.nz/about-us/who-we-are/
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN (2017 – 2021)
3

Nga hiahia: our aims
Te wawata: vision
Nga whai tikanga: priorities
The TBI Strategy’s vision is to improve the quality
The priorities for the TBI Strategy and Action Plan
of life of New Zealanders by reducing the incidence,
have been based on:
severity and impacts of TBI.
•  engagement meetings with ACC clients and their
whānau, rehabilitation providers, consumer
Te aronga: purpose
groups and organisations, district health boards,
universities and government agencies as part of
The overarching purpose of the TBI Strategy and
a co-design process
Action Plan is to guide key initiatives that will:
•  current partnerships and work programmes in the
•  deepen the focus of injury prevention activities
wider sector
specific to TBI that ultimately contribute to
reducing the incidence and severity of moderate
•  the extent to which TBI is unique in the issues and
to severe TBI
opportunities identified
•  work with Māori and other ethnicities who are
•  the ability to make or influence change.
overrepresented in all TBI statistics
To achieve the vision, the following strategic
•  enable people with TBIs to achieve maximum
priorities have been identified.
and satisfying participation at home, school and
Each priority has interrelated aspects and
work and in the community, consistent with their
associated goals:
rehabilitation goals
TBIs are prevented
•  recognise the interdependent relationship
between people with TBIs and their whānau
•  TBI is prioritised within existing and future ACC
•  improve cross-government and systems
injury prevention activities, driving changes
integration that in turn improves access to,
that positively influence risk-taking behaviours
and the coordination of, services and support
associated with TBI.
•  strengthen and extend workforce capabilities
•  New injury prevention initiatives are established
to achieve best practice in the prevention,
that target TBI prevention.
recognition and management of TBI
•  reduce the economic burden of TBI.
TBI prevention, diagnosis, treatment and
rehabilitation are effective
•  Best practice informs nationally consistent
assessment/diagnosis and the delivery of TBI
services and support.
•  Services are culturally responsive and inclusive
of whānau.
•  Outcomes and experiences of service delivery are
collected and used to support improvements.
•  Government agencies work together to achieve an
integrated approach.
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ACCIDENT COMPENSATION CORPORATION

TBI’s Visions Diagram (pg 7)
TBI prevention,
People with TBIs
diagnosis, treatment
and their whānau
and rehabilitation are
experience good
effective
outcomes
Workforce capability
TBIs are prevented
in TBI is developed
Improve the quality of
life for New Zealanders
by reducing the
incidence, severity and
impacts of TBI
People with TBIs and their whānau
Principles
experience good outcomes
1.  Uphold the principles of Whāia Te Tika:
•  People with TBIs and their whānau understand
ACC’s Māori Strategy.
and adapt to their changing circumstances.
2.  Uphold the principles of the Convention on the
•  Rehabilitation momentum is maintained when
Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
people move within or between services and
3.  Uphold the principles of the United Nations
support.
Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Workforce capability in TBI is developed
4.  Identify the right areas of focus and investment
by being informed by evidence.
•  Workforce resources and skills match the needs of
5.  Achieve a person and whānau-driven focus
people requiring TBI services.
across services and support.
•  Government agencies and others working with
6.  Improve the consistency and quality of services
people with TBIs improve their knowledge of TBI.
to maximise outcomes for people with TBIs and
Each goal has one or more actions, which are
their whānau.
informed by current work programmes and areas
7.  Commit to improving health equity that
identified as part of the engagement and co-design
addresses multiple determinants of health that
of this strategy and action plan.
we can influence.
8.  Involve our customers in setting priorities and
Nga tohutohunga: guiding
co-designing service changes.
principles
9.  Work in partnership with other agencies
to achieve a more integrated and holistic
The following principles guide decision-making
approach to preventing and reducing the
and the way the TBI Strategy and Action Plan is
impacts of TBI.
implemented. These principles are important as
the New Zealand health and disability system
The principles of Whāia Te Tika: ACC’s Māori
continues to shift from a siloed system towards a
Strategy, the Convention on the Rights of
more integrated system that considers each person
Persons with Disabilities and the United Nations
in their context, and wider determinants of health.
Convention on the Rights of the Child can be found
in Appendix 1.
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN (2017 – 2021)
5

Strategy on a page
TBI’s Strategy Diagram (pg 10)
TBIs are prevented
• TBI is prioritised within existing and future ACC injury prevention
activities, driving changes that positively influence risk-taking
behaviours associated with TBI
• New injury prevention initiatives are established that target
TBI prevention
1
Incidence and severity of TBI is reduced
TBI prevention, diagnosis, treatment and
rehabilitation are effective
• Best practice informs nationally consistent
assessment/diagnosis and delivery of TBI services and support
2
• Services are culturally responsive and inclusive of whānau
• Outcomes and experiences of service delivery are collected and
used to support improvements
• Government agencies work together to achieve an integrated
Improve the quality of life
approach
for New Zealanders
Severity and impacts of TBI are reduced
by reducing the incidence,
severity and impacts of TBI
People with TBIs and their whānau experience
3
good outcomes
• People with TBIs and their whānau understand and adapt to their
changing circumstances
• Rehabilitation momentum is maintained when people move
within or between services and support
Impacts of TBI are minimised and people live well with TBIs
4
Workforce capability in TBI is developed
• Workforce resources and skills match the needs of people
requiring TBI services
• Government agencies and others working with people with TBIs
improve their knowledge of TBI
People with TBIs are able to maximise their potential
Principles
Uphold the principles of Whāia Te Tika: ACC’s Māori Strategy
Uphold the principles of Whāia Te Tika: ACC’s Māori Strategy
Uphold the principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Uphold the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
Uphold the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
Identify the right areas of focus and investment by being informed by evidence
Identify the right areas of focus and investment by being informed by evidence
Achieve a person and whānau driven focus across services and support
Improve the consistency and quality of services to maximise outcomes for people with TBI, their family and whānau
Achieve a person and whānau-driven focus across services and support
Commit to improving health equity that addresses multiple determinants of health which we can influence
Improve the consistency and quality of services to maximise outcomes for people with TBIs and their whānau
Involve our customers in setting priorities and co-designing service changes
Commit to improving health equity that addresses multiple determinants of health that we can influence
Work in partnership with other agencies to achieve a more integrated and holistic approach to preventing and reducing impacts o
Involve our customers in setting priorities and co-designing service changes
f TBI
Work in partnership with other agencies to achieve a more integrated and holistic approach to preventing and reducing the impacts of TBI
6
ACCIDENT COMPENSATION CORPORATION

Action timeline
A timeline for the intended completion of activities, or moving programmes into business as usual,
Action Timeline Diagram (pg 11)
of 22 actions associated with the priorities is shown below.
• Strengthen TBI information for people with TBIs and their whānau
• Deliver a service roadmap based on a person’s journey through multiple
2017
agencies
• Deliver a directory of services used across agencies
• Deliver a suite of national clinical pathways
• Pilot a Sports Concussion Centre of Excellence
2018
• Deliver a group education programme for people with TBIs
and their whānau
• Establish a mental health and TBI programme
• Encourage the uptake of safer cars for young drivers
2019
• Reduce the incidence and impacts of motorcycle crashes
• Establish a data and outcomes work programme
• Deliver Ministry of Education and Schools workforce TBI capability
resources
• Support a TBI focus in unregulated sports
• Deliver an integrated service model to support transitions of care
2020
• Focus on TBI for Māori/Pacific people within existing ACC injury prevention
programmes
• Determine the role of screening for TBI within the Ministry for Vulnerable
Children, Oranga Tamariki and the Department of Corrections
• Establish a non-accidental injury prevention work programme
• Work alongside Māori to deliver a Whānau Ora service model
• Deliver a professionalised peer support programme
2021
• Identify and share workforce resources
• Contribute to building workforce capacity in specific cultures and
professional groups
• Deliver a workforce TBI and cultural mentoring programme
• Support development of specific TBI workforce competencies
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN (2017 – 2021)
7

Implementation and governance
Systems view
Stakeholder relationships
A systems approach is required to achieve effective
To achieve a systems approach, existing
changes. ACC needs to co-design changes with
partnerships with ACC client groups, funders,
people with TBIs and their whānau, working
health professionals and other providers of support
alongside other government agencies and
for people with TBIs need to be maintained. Other
organisations.
relationships, such as those with some government
TBI’s Strategy Visions Diagram (pg 12)
agencies, need to be developed and strengthened.
A responsive system will support achieving the
TBI Strategy’s vision.
I’m aware
• Precautions taken to prevent TBI
• Early recognition and treatment
It’s about me
• Treatment considers personal circumstances
• Impacts on families are considered
• Timely rehabilitation
Improved
quality of life
I'm receiving the best
• Services match my needs
• Other services are responsive and coordinated
• My experience of TBI services makes a difference
I understand
• Information empowers and improves access to services
and support
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ACCIDENT COMPENSATION CORPORATION

Governance
Evaluating effectiveness
ACC is responsible for implementing the
An early task to support the implementation of the
TBI Strategy and Action Plan. Successful
TBI Strategy and Action Plan will be developing a
implementation is dependent on:
framework for measuring the effectiveness of each
•  shared cross-sector leadership and accountability
goal’s implementation, to ensure that:
for implementation
•  targets and indicators are identified, eg impacts
•  partnering with people who are at risk and have
and outcomes
TBIs, and their whānau
•  information sources are identified and
•  working alongside service providers, other
data-gathering methods are agreed (and meet
organisations and government agencies.
privacy of information requirements)
ACC will establish a governance group to provide
•  decisions are made on how often data will
direction to, and oversight of, the work programmes
be collected and who will be responsible for
that arise from the TBI Strategy and Action
collecting it
Plan. The members will include ACC clients (or
•  meaningful engagement continues with TBI
representatives) and representatives of government
clients, their whānau and the wider sector
agencies and other organisations.
•  proxy measures are developed where suitable
Members of the group will have decision-making
data is not available.
authority and the ability to approve the allocation of
resources for the completion of actions.
It is important that the governance group monitors
progress in implementing the TBI Strategy and
Action Plan at least twice yearly. This will also provide
opportunities to modify actions in response to sector
changes that may occur over the five year period.
Implementation approach
It is recommended that a steering group be
established to ensure that activities across multiple
actions are aligned.
Existing programmes, such as the Whole of Pathways
TBI Collaborative work programme, can be extended
as one means of gaining early traction on meeting
some of the strategic goals within each priority.
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN (2017 – 2021)
9

Priority 1:
TBIs are prevented
Hazel and Matt are first-time parents of a four-week-old baby, Manu.
They were excited and nervous about becoming parents. Hazel attended
antenatal classes and Matt went with her whenever he could. The antenatal
classes prepared them for birthing and also provided information about
infant development. They learned that babies cry a lot and about things they
could do to cope with the crying. The classes provided information that could
be taken home and shared with friends and family. This was great for Matt as
he could catch up on missed classes.
Hazel and Matt have friends who are parents and often talk to them about
parenting. They are finding that their experience of parenting is really
different from those of their friends, as Manu was born five weeks premature.
Matt’s work requires travelling for days at a time and Hazel is often alone
with the baby.
Manu has recently started crying a lot more often. This has left Hazel feeling
as if she isn’t a good mother and too ashamed to ask for help. She has been
feeling exhausted as well. When her midwife comes to visit, she asks Hazel
how she is coping with the baby’s crying – whether she has been able to
figure out what the baby needs, and what she does if the baby keeps crying.
The midwife reassures Hazel that it is normal for babies to cry and for her to
feel overwhelmed and stressed out by this.
The midwife helps Hazel to explore some ways she can deal with her stress
and identify support for her and Matt. She also advises Hazel to see her GP
about Manu’s crying. The midwife asks Hazel to put her plan on what to
do if Manu doesn’t stop crying on the fridge and to let Matt know about it.
This has helped Matt, as whenever he has to travel he makes up a roster
with their friends so that someone comes in every day to give Hazel some
company, or help out if she needs it.
11

Context
•  ACC is developing an Alcohol and Drug Strategy
that includes actions to reduce severe and
ACC has a comprehensive approach to injury
catastrophic injuries, of which TBI will be a part.
prevention. This includes collaborating with a range
of stakeholders, a cross-government and cross-
•  ACC is working with the Institute of
sector injury prevention work plan, using evidence
Environmental Science and Research (ESR) to
and data to design programmes, and targeting
co-design an ACC-wide family violence and child
areas of focus within injury prevention portfolios.
protection policy that incorporates a prevention
and response system.
Existing injury prevention programmes that have a
focus on preventing TBI are outlined below.15
•  ACC suicide prevention service design with
Waikato District Health Board.
•  Improving falls and fracture service outcomes
for older people.
•  ACC is a member of the Ministerial Group on
Family Violence and Sexual Violence. This
•  Sports concussion in New Zealand.
includes Integrated Safety Response pilots in
•  Road safety programmes, including education
Christchurch and Waikato involving local ACC
and training for young drivers and motorcycle
teams at an operational level.
training programmes.
As significant injury prevention work already
•  Well Child/Tamariki Ora workforce development
includes a consideration of TBI, the following areas
in injury prevention, age and stage appropriate,
have been identified as having additional impacts
including TBI rehabilitation.
on preventing TBI.
•  Plunket’s child falls prevention training for
its staff.
Goals
•  The Plunket Board Injury Prevention Framework.
TBI is prioritised within existing and future ACC
injury prevention activities, driving changes
•  Safekids Aotearoa’s ‘Make Your Home a Safety
that positively influence risk-taking behaviours
Zone’ campaign, with a focus on Māori and Pacific
associated with TBI
families and priority areas across New Zealand.
Although most current injury prevention
•  St John, Wellington Free Ambulance and
programmes include TBI, there is an opportunity to
the National Telehealth Service – TBI injury
further prioritise TBI prevention – eg by including
prevention resource development.
further targeting of Māori and Pacific people within
•  Investment in Power to Protect – a shaken-baby-
existing and future ACC injury prevention activities.
syndrome prevention programme managed by the
New injury prevention initiatives are established
Ministry of Health.
that target TBI prevention
•  A harm reduction campaign with WorkSafe
The Ministerial Group on Family Violence and
New Zealand.
Sexual Violence work programme focuses
•  Cross-sector Child Injury Prevention
on stopping family and sexual violence from
Advisory Group.
occurring and reducing harm caused by it. The
work programme aims to improve and coordinate
•  GP/Primary healthcare education.
existing services to ensure they lead to lasting
•  Coaching education.
change, and make sure that people get the right
service at the right time. ACC, as a member of the
•  ASB St John in Schools 16 – injury prevention, first
group, has a role in the follow-up response and
aid, emergency preparedness and responding in
long-term recovery.
an emergency, with a focus on preventing TBI in
children.
As assaults are a strong predictor for TBI, ACC
proposes to establish an intentional/non-accidental
injury prevention work programme.
15  Refer to Appendix 2 for more information on key injury prevention initiatives.
16  See http://www.stjohn.org.nz/What-we-do/Community-programmes/ASB-St-John-in-Schools-Programme/
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Actions
The following actions have been prioritised.
•  Maintain or improve the focus on TBI, including
for Māori and Pacific people, within existing ACC
injury prevention programmes.
•  Consider how ‘unregulated’ sports can be further
supported to implement injury prevention
programmes that reduce the incidence and
severity of TBI.
•  Establish a non-accidental injury prevention work
programme.
•  Encourage the uptake of safer cars for young
drivers.
•  Reduce the incidence and impacts of motorcycle
crashes.
Outcomes
TBI has an overt focus in injury prevention
programmes where TBI incidence could be reduced.
High-risk, low-volume sports that are unregulated
are supported to prevent TBI.
Families with children know and understand the
risks of falls in the home and respond appropriately
to prevent or reduce those risks.
Those in the workforce delivering injury prevention
interventions know how to reduce TBI and take
action accordingly, and people are safer as a result.
TBI prevention interventions are person-centric
and seamless.
TBI prevention via emergency services such as
St John, Wellington Free Ambulance and the National
Telehealth Service is connected and consistent.
Young drivers use safer vehicles.
Motorcycle crashes causing TBI are reduced.
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN (2017 – 2021)
13

Priority 2:
TBI prevention,
diagnosis, treatment
and rehabilitation
are effective
Clinical staff recognised the importance of our whānau’s Māori cultural
identity when my brother had a severe TBI. They introduced us to their Māori
cultural advisor and included important cultural practices, such as Māori
greetings, a two-way process of making connections (whakawhanaungatanga)
and Māori cultural blessings (karakia), as part of being respectful (taha wairua)
of our culture. Staff explained clinical terminology to whānau in a way we
could understand (taha hinengaro) and used the Te Whare Tapa Whā model to
develop a mutually beneficial relationship.
They knew that although my brother had sustained a TBI requiring specialised
healthcare to heal his body (taha tinana), the TBI also had spiritual (taha
wairua) impacts that needed to be acknowledged and considered.
The assessments had Māori content, which meant we better understood their
relevance. Staff used these assessments and worked with us to develop a
culturally responsive rehabilitation programme. The service embraced Māori
cultural practices that were user-friendly and accessible to Māori.
15

Context
However, some measures used in the sector are not
comparable or shared between health providers,
A range of specialised services support people with
which makes it difficult to monitor a person’s
TBIs in New Zealand. They include community-
progress and the overall effectiveness of services.
based concussion services and specialised TBI
rehabilitation provided in residential settings.
Within existing measures little has been done to
These services, together with injury prevention
measure the experience of services. Measuring
programmes and the Whole of Pathways TBI
experience provides an opportunity to highlight
Collaborative programme, create a good foundation
and address aspects of the care experience that
for further work to improve the effectiveness of TBI
need improvement, meet people’s expectations,
prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
enhance strategic decision-making and effectively
manage and monitor healthcare performance that
A strong focus is needed on improving access to
can be benchmarked.
services by Māori, who are overrepresented in
statistics but underutilise current services.
Government agencies work together to achieve an
integrated approach
Goals
One of the Government’s priorities is to deliver
better public services. This has resulted in several
Best practice informs nationally consistent
work programmes that provide a good platform
assessment/diagnosis and delivery of TBI
for ACC involvement in targeting improvements
services and support
related to TBI, including Better Public Services.
Except for two recently developed Head Injury
In particular, Result 2 Healthy Mums and Babies;
and Concussion in Children pathways, there is an
and Result 3 Keeping Kids Healthy (Ministry of
absence of user-friendly clinical pathways that
Health, June 2017).
are applicable to the New Zealand health context.
Working across the sector provides an opportunity
Improving the diagnosis and management of TBI
to take a more holistic approach and address some
requires a suite of clinical pathways that can be
challenging issues shared by government agencies
easily accessed and used.
– eg identifying youth who may have undiagnosed
Child protection processes are followed when
TBIs that have contributed to criminal offences
assessing and diagnosing non-accidental injuries.
and led to their involvement with the youth justice
system; and working with mental health services
Services are culturally responsive and inclusive
to improve rehabilitation outcomes among people
of whānau
with extreme, persistent behavioural symptoms.
To meet the needs of Māori, TBI health and
Through this work there may be an opportunity to
disability services need to be reconfigured to include
extend screening and services to the general prison
a Whānau Ora option.
population.
Changes to service models should also consider the
needs of Pacific people.
Outcomes and experiences of service delivery are
collected and used to support improvements
Outcome measures are important in assessing the
status of a person’s recovery and rehabilitation.
Information can help in monitoring progress,
identifying effective interventions and demonstrating
the effectiveness of services. Currently information
on some functional outcome measures is collected in
residential rehabilitation through the Australasian
Rehabilitation Outcomes Centre.
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Actions
Outcomes
The following actions have been prioritised.
Clinical pathways drive national consistency
•  Develop and implement a suite of national
and best practice in service delivery. This in turn
clinical pathways.
improves the diagnosis and management of TBI,
including preventing re-injury through safe return
•  Pilot a Sports Concussion Centre of Excellence.
to activity and the delivery of effective rehabilitation
•  Work alongside Māori to develop and implement
programmes across the continuum of care.
a Whānau Ora model of service delivery.
Māori and other cultures are able to receive a
•  Establish a data and outcomes work programme.
Whānau Ora TBI-focused service based on the
cultural values and norms for whānau (rather than
•  Develop a roadmap of services based on a
individuals), empowering them using a strengths-
person’s journey through multiple agencies.
based approach to connect with a range of services
•  Develop a directory of services used across agencies.
and support.
•  Establish a joint mental health and ACC programme.
The effectiveness of services in achieving client
outcomes is measured through a national outcomes
•  Determine the role of screening and management
framework that spans each client’s journey.
within the Ministry for Vulnerable Children,
This includes measuring the client experience and
Oranga Tamariki and the Department of
their reported outcomes. This information is used to
Corrections.
drive improvements.
A broad range of services and support (not just
health) typically needed by a person with TBI is
readily identified throughout their journey.
Behavioural needs following TBI are met through
a partnered approach with mental health and
ACC-funded services.
Children and young people in the care and
protection and youth justice systems have their TBI
needs assessed and met at the earliest opportunity.
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN (2017 – 2021)
17

Priority 3:
People with TBIs
and their whanau
experience good
outcomes
My partner had a serious TBI. He finished treatment after many months at a
residential rehabilitation centre, then came home with a range of community
support. At every stage the quality of care was very good.
Eventually he became less in need of intensive clinical inputs, and one day these
were finished. I found myself being his sole carer and I soon found the relentless
role overwhelming. That’s when the enormity of the situation became apparent.
I felt inadequate but still solely responsible. I thought I was able to handle it. I
wasn’t. My partner who had been my rock was now my responsibility and had
little insight into his situation.
Fortunately, I was referred to a spouse, family and carers support group.
Joining this group was a godsend, a tremendous relief. I realised that I was
not alone and that the grieving cycle was a very good compass. I have made
good friends and we continue to learn new coping skills together. Our injured
partners and family members are included in activities we arrange as a group.
It’s a more manageable life, not perfect but now supported by good friends
who are on the same lifelong journey.
19

Context
Goals
TBI services in New Zealand support the
People with TBIs and their whānau understand
achievement of good outcomes for people with TBIs.
and adapt to their changing circumstances
Early detection to improve the management and
Although informal support is important, outcomes
reduce the severity of TBI is a current priority within
for people with TBIs and their whānau will be
the injury prevention concussion programme. The
strengthened with formal programmes and
TBI Strategy and Action Plan and the introduction
additional resources.
of clinical pathways will also have positive impacts
The risks of further harm and injury are identified
on reducing the severity of TBI.
and mitigated for non-accidental injuries.
There are opportunities to improve services that
Rehabilitation momentum is maintained
extend to whānau, taking a more holistic approach.
when people move within or between services
As people’s responses to TBI vary, depending not
and support
only on their injury responses but their individual
Work has been undertaken through the Whole of
circumstances, it is important that they have
Pathways Collaborative to improve transitions
access to information and social support during
between TBI services and create a more integrated
their rehabilitation.
model. More work is required to extend this work
programme, which also considers the role of
coordination.
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ACCIDENT COMPENSATION CORPORATION

Actions
Outcomes
The following actions have been prioritised.
People with TBIs and their whānau feel informed and
•  Develop a group education programme for people
prepared to meet the challenges that come with TBI.
with TBIs and their whānau.
Through improved understanding and networking
with others who have had similar experiences, they
•  Develop a professionalised peer support
gain knowledge that supports self-determination
programme.
and the new ways of living needed in facing the
•  Strengthen information about TBI for people with
challenges associated with TBI.
TBIs and their whānau.
Information about TBI and what to expect is
•  Develop an integrated service model that
available in multiple languages and formats.
supports transitions of care.
When needed, people with TBIs and their whānau
have ready access to people who can coordinate or
facilitate transitions between services and access
to other services and support (not necessarily
health related).
Transitions between services and support are
planned, with all the necessary information
handed to the onward provider. This ensures that
rehabilitation programmes continue uninterrupted,
and people with TBIs and their whānau feel
reassured and confident when things change.
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN (2017 – 2021)
21

Priority 4:
Workforce capability
in TBI is developed
Twelve-year-old Susan had been admitted to hospital for a week with a
TBI following a road accident. Prior to her discharge, a specialist in TBI
rehabilitation provided Susan’s mother with information on Susan’s likely
changes in behaviour and educational needs, advice on how to manage them
and details of a contact person if she had any difficulties. A school meeting
was also arranged to discuss Susan’s requirements for re-entry to school.
The school meeting was attended by Susan’s current teacher and an
education specialist, trained in the educational needs associated with TBI.
The group developed a plan for Susan’s re-entry to the school system.
When Susan re-entered school her classroom teacher had undertaken TBI
training, a modified education plan was in place and the teacher was fully
aware of Susan’s potential difficulties (educational, social and behavioural).
The classroom teacher had the support of a specialist teacher who could be
called on if difficulties arose.
Susan’s educational needs were regularly evaluated, with particular care
taken to ensure that each teacher was trained in TBI and had someone to
support them when they needed it.
23

Context
Goals
While there are specialised services available for
Workforce resources and skills match the needs of
preventing, treating and rehabilitating people with
people requiring TBI services
TBIs in New Zealand, not everyone with a TBI needs
or receives them.
Mentoring is an established and positive way of
supporting people to improve their confidence
Those in the health and disability services workforce
and develop new skills in the work environment.
and the wider government sector need a number of
It is also effective in establishing relationships
skills to work with people with TBIs – including the
between people and organisations that strengthen
ability to provide culturally appropriate services to
communication and integrated ways of working.
Māori and people from other cultures. Some simple
but effective strategies, such as those already used
Workforce capabilities in preventing TBI are
for injury prevention, are needed.
developed.
ACC has a separate work programme for its staff
Government agencies and others working with
that includes providing resources to support ACC
people with TBIs improve their knowledge of TBI
case owners in improving their knowledge of, and
Teachers and educators have a key role in helping
approach to, clients who have or are suspected of
students to return to school after their recovery
having a TBI.
from TBI. Where return to school is part of a wider
rehabilitation programme, teachers and educators
need to support that programme.
Many government agencies are involved in
providing services to people with TBIs. ACC will
work to share its resources more widely with them.
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Actions
Outcomes
The following actions have been prioritised.
People with TBIs receive services and support from
•  Use mentoring programmes to build skills in TBI
culturally competent providers.
and cultural responsiveness.
People delivering TBI services and support are
•  Identify and recommend key resources for
knowledgeable and adapt appropriately to meet the
rehabilitation following TBIs specific to different
needs of people with TBIs.
workforces.
Resources that help different workforces to provide
•  Contribute to building the capabilities and
responsive and appropriate services to people with
capacity of people from specific cultures and
TBIs are identified and shared.
professional groups needed in the field of TBI.
ACC is actively involved in supporting workforce
•  Support the development of specific
capacity development among those from specific
competencies in the wider TBI workforce.
cultures and professional groups needed for the
delivery of TBI services and support.
•  Develop resources to build teachers’ and
educators’ capability to support students with TBIs
Children returning to school following TBIs are
returning to early childhood education or school.
supported by teachers and school staff to achieve
their rehabilitation goals.
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN (2017 – 2021)
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Roadmap: Planning to support
the implementation of actions
Priority 1: TBIs are prevented
Indicative
Action
Key points to implement
completion
Maintain or improve
Develop and implement a monitoring framework specific to
2020
the focus on TBI,
TBI for each programme
including for Māori
and Pacific people,
within existing ACC
injury prevention
programmes
Consider how
Identify unregulated sports
2020
‘unregulated’
Use the ACC injury prevention prioritisation process to
sports can be
determine next steps
further supported
to implement
injury prevention
programmes that
reduce the incidence
and severity of TBI
Establish a
Review ACC’s current practices and policies to develop
2021
non-accidental injury
opportunities to identify the risk of, and prevent further
prevention work
harm from, non-accidental injuries with ACC clients and
programme
staff
Encourage the uptake
Investigate the opportunity to encourage young drivers to:
2019
of safer cars for young
• drive the safest family cars
drivers
• purchase safe cars
Reduce the incidence
Increase the uptake of motorcycle training (prevention)
2019
and impacts of
Investigate opportunities to increase the wearing of full-
motorcycle crashes
faced motorcycle helmets
Actions led by:
ACC Injury Prevention
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN (2017 – 2021)
27

Priority 2: TBI prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation are effective
Indicative
Action
Key points to implement
completion
Develop and
Partner with clinical pathway groups, expert clinicians
2018
implement a suite
and others such as ambulance services and the National
of national clinical
Telehealth Service to support the development or
pathways
enhancement of clinical pathways for:
•  adult assessment and management in primary healthcare
•  children’s acute management in district health boards
•  rural locations
Review the adult acute management clinical pathway
flowchart for district health boards, and promote its use
Support the evaluation of the Northern Region Head Injury
and Concussion in Children pathway with the view to
supporting its national adoption
Recommend and promote awareness of clinical pathways
Ensure that clinical pathway effectiveness monitoring
includes achieving health equity for Māori
Pilot a Sports
Complete a business case and evaluation plan supported by
2018
Concussion Centre of
data
Excellence
Describe the service required and supporting processes
Implement and evaluate a pilot to determine
next steps
Work alongside
Work with Te Pou Matakana and Te Pūtahitanga o Te
2021
Māori to develop and
Waipounamu, and with interested stakeholders, to develop
implement a Whānau
a Whānau Ora model of service delivery that meets the
Ora model of service
needs of Māori whānau with TBIs
delivery
Describe the scope, objectives and resources, including
community relationships, required to implement the model
Complete any research or business cases required to
support proposed approaches and the data needed to
evaluate effectiveness
Determine how effectiveness will be monitored and the
model evaluated
Complete service development, including supporting
processes
Test the Whānau Ora service model with the intention of
national implementation
Gather data to support an evaluation
Evaluate and determine the next steps to inform a national
roll-out
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Priority 2: TBI prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation are effective
(continued)
Indicative
Action
Key points to implement
completion
Establish a data
Establish a project group (or link to the Whole of Pathways
2019
and outcomes work
Collaborative work programme)
programme
Identify and engage with other government agencies
(such as the agencies identified in this document and the
Health Quality and Safety Commission) needed to support
implementation and align with work in the wider health and
social sectors
Determine what needs to be measured and what data is
required and how it will be collected and used (include
an analysis of data by ethnicity, deprivation, age, gender,
disability and location)
Consider the role of the person with TBI and their whānau’s
experience of services as part of the data collection
Consider the relationship between currently collected
outcome measures and this work programme to extend
measures
Complete business cases and privacy impact assessments
as indicated
Ensure that infrastructure needs are met in order to implement
Develop protocols and supporting documentation as
indicated
Test, implement, review the results and refine
Move towards benchmarking to support best practice and
service improvements
Develop a roadmap
Develop a conceptual map of the life course of people with
2017
of services based on
moderate and severe TBIs to identify key points in the
a person’s journey
pathway where cross-agency involvement is likely to be
through multiple
required
agencies
Consider entry and re-entry to services and shared plans
Consider how any legislative gaps between agencies can be
addressed through policy
Collaborate to publish and distribute roadmaps as
appropriate
Determine a process for keeping maps up to date and for
monitoring effectiveness
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN (2017 – 2021)
29

Priority 2: TBI prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation are effective
(continued)
Indicative
Action
Key points to implement
completion
Develop a directory of
Link with work underway in a cross-government project that
2017
services used across
identifies the services and support available across agencies
agencies
Identify processes for developing a common plan where
multiple agencies need to interface with each other to
support people with TBIs
Collaborate to publish the directory as a resource for
consumers and other agencies
Determine a process for keeping the directory up to date and
for monitoring its effectiveness
Establish a joint
Identify cross-government partners in this work programme
2019
mental health and ACC Describe the problems that are common to mental health
programme
and TBI services that could be better managed using a
shared care arrangement. This includes people with mental
health issues prior to their injuries and those that develop
mental health problems after their injuries
Review relevant literature
Describe a programme to address the problems (including
process mapping the current and future states)
Develop a pilot programme or introduce a new way of working
Determine how changes to the current system will be
measured
Develop any business cases required
Implement changes
Measure effectiveness, report and refine
Determine the role
Identify cross-government partners in this work programme
2021
of screening and
Review existing research related to screening for TBI in
management within
the youth justice population (Ministry for Vulnerable
the Ministry for
Children, Oranga Tamariki) and the adult justice population
Vulnerable Children,
(Department of Corrections)
Oranga Tamariki and
the Department of
Scope the opportunity/purpose and role of screening
Corrections
in the youth justice population (Ministry for Vulnerable
Children, Oranga Tamariki) and the adult justice population
(Department of Corrections)
Determine what tools would be used and when
Determine who would administer the tools
Determine how data would be used to respond to screening
findings
Map a pathway for access to services for people identified as
having TBIs requiring medical and/or social rehabilitation
services funded by ACC
Consider a pilot programme to test the process and
effectiveness
Determine the next steps following a pilot
Actions led by:
ACC Provider Service Delivery in partnership with the Clinical Services
Directorate and Injury Prevention
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Priority 3: People with TBIs and their whānau experience good outcomes
Indicative
Action
Key points to implement
completion
Develop a group
Form a working group linked to the Whole of Pathways
2018
education programme
collaborative
for people with TBIs
Review the Brain Injury Coping Skills Group programme and
and their whānau
adapt for New Zealand use
Identify resource requirements to implement the
programme nationally
Determine demand for the programme
Determine how effectiveness will be measured
Develop a business case (if required) before contracting for
the delivery of the service
Contract and monitor effectiveness
Embed into business as usual activities
Evaluate effectiveness post-implementation
Develop a
Support research programmes currently underway to
2021
professionalised peer
develop a TBI peer support programme
support programme
Review international research and work undertaken to
establish other professionalised peer support programmes
in New Zealand
Work with Brain Injury New Zealand and other interested
groups to develop a professionalised peer support
programme that may include a facilitation component
Develop a business case (if required) before contracting for
the delivery of the service
Contract and monitor the service’s effectiveness
Embed the service into business as usual activities
Evaluate its effectiveness post-implementation
Strengthen
Extend the Whole of Pathways work programme to further
2017
information about TBI
identify and develop resources for whānau, including
for people with TBIs
interpreted resources
and their whānau
Determine the role of other information delivery methods,
such as mobile phone applications
Develop an integrated
Extend the Whole of Pathways work programme to develop
2020
service model that
the transition work to establish an integrated service model
supports transitions
Consider the role of facilitation and coordination in an
of care
integrated service model
Actions led by:
Co-led by ACC Provider Service Delivery and the Clinical Services Directorate in
partnership with Injury Prevention
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN (2017 – 2021)
31

Priority 4: Workforce capability in TBI is developed
Indicative
Action
Key points to implement
completion
Use mentoring
Partner with Māori service providers with health and/
2021
programmes to
or disability experience to develop and deliver a Māori
build skills in
mentoring programme to ACC suppliers that provide
TBI and cultural
services to people with TBIs
responsiveness
Partner with specialist TBI services to deliver a mentoring
programme to general services that provide services and
support to people with TBIs
Develop a business case (if required) and agree criteria and
an evaluation method
Determine a procurement method and evaluate its
effectiveness
Transition to business as usual if effectiveness is supported
Identify and
Work alongside clinical experts and clinical pathway
2021
recommend key
developers to identify key resources that ACC should
resources for
recommend
rehabilitation
Develop a process for recommending clinical resources to
following TBIs specific
ACC suppliers
to different workforces Work with other government agencies to identify their
information needs relating to TBI, and share resources,
including ACC’s internal TBI resources as appropriate
Contribute to building
Work with the sector to identify workforce needs specific to
2021
the capabilities and
the Māori workforce and allied health workers (particularly
capacity of people
psychologists and speech language therapists)
from specific cultures
Actively promote the recruitment of a Māori health
and professional
workforce
groups needed in the
field of TBI
Determine how ACC can contribute to building workforce
capacity in priority areas identified (particularly Māori,
psychologists and services for children and young people)
Contribute to a whole-of-system response to building
workforce capacity in areas of critical need
Contribute to building workforce capabilities, promoting
the inclusion of TBI prevention, diagnosis and management
in training programmes (eg medical, nursing, social work,
teachers’ colleges)
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Priority 4: Workforce capability in TBI is developed (continued)
Indicative
Action
Key points to implement
completion
Support the
Review existing complementary competencies (eg Let’s Get
2021
development of
Real) and development programmes that may assist the
specific competencies
wider workforce (including family carers) to develop access
in the wider TBI
to the specific skills needed when working alongside people
workforce
with TBIs
Determine how ACC can support competency development
in these areas and progress accordingly
Share with others resources being developed to improve
ACC’s internal capabilities (as appropriate)
Develop resources to
Set up a working party with the Ministry of Education,
2020
build teachers’ and
the Specialist Paediatric and Adolescent Rehabilitation
educators’ capability
Service and specialist children’s health and rehabilitation
to support students
community providers to develop resources to build teachers’
with TBIs returning
and educators’ capabilities in supporting students with TBIs
to early childhood
returning to early childhood education or school
education or school
Determine how the resources should be implemented and
support the implementation
Determine how the effectiveness of such resources should
be monitored and measured
Actions led by:
Co-led by ACC Provider Service Delivery and the Clinical Services Directorate in
partnership with Injury Prevention
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN (2017 – 2021)
33

Appendix 1:
Additional principles
Māori Strategy Diagram (pg 39)
Principles of Whāia Te Tika: ACC’s Māori Strategy
Whāia Te Tika will embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles within
We uphold the Treaty of Waitangi
operational practice. It will also pave the way for the future
principles of: Partnership,
protection of whakapapa through robust partnerships with Māori
Participation and Protection
to mitigate the incidence of injury for Māori
Whāia Te Tika will allow ACC and Māori to have inclusive and
We ensure the voice of our
respectful korero. This includes the ability for Māori to be heard
Māori customers is heard
in settings that is in keeping with their tribal tikanga
Our approach to engagement recognises the importance of kanohi
We engage with Māori in a
ki te kanohi, whakawhanaungatanga, and allowing for regional
culturally appropriate and
tikanga and kawa. This is to ensure that Whāia Te Tika is not seen
responsive way
as a 'generic' Māori strategy, but one that is respectful of regional
difference
We will find what is working well for Māori in the community and
use this to help us to remove barriers and increase access to
We find what is working well
services. Whāia Te Tika will provide ACC with a much needed lens
and build on it
for Māori related activity across the business. A single view will
allow the business to identify pockets of success and promote best
practice to a wide audience
Our actions are informed
We will use an evidence based approach to identify the right areas
by evidence
to focus on and invest in, and monitor and review performance
Whāia Te Tika becomes conversational, starting at the top of ACC,
There is clear leadership
as ACC becomes used to applying a Māori lens to our everyday
commitment and accountability
activities. There is regular communication as part of decision
making, and more transparency around performance improvement
And an embedded way of
Whāia Te Tika becomes conversational at all levels of the business as
working across ACC
ACC becomes used to applying a Māori lens to our everyday activities
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ACCIDENT COMPENSATION CORPORATION

Principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
1.  Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one’s own
choices, and independence of persons
2.  Non-discrimination
3.  Full and effective participation and inclusion in society
4.  Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity
and humanity
5.  Equality of opportunity
6.  Accessibility
7.  Equality between men and women
8.  Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children
with disabilities to preserve their identities.
Principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
UNCRC gives children and young people up to the age of 18 the right to
1.  Life, survival and development
2.  The government making sure that the best interests of the child are taken into account when making
decisions about the child
3.  Access to education and health care
4.  Grow up in an environment of happiness, love and understanding
5.  Protection from discrimination of any sort
6.  Develop their personalities, abilities and talents
7.  Protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and economic exploitation
8.  Special measures to protect those that are in conflict with the law
9.  An opinion and for that opinion to be heard
10.  Be informed about and participate in achieving their rights
11.  Special measures to protect those belonging to minority groups.
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN (2017 – 2021)
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Appendix 2: Current high
relevance programmes
Current key injury prevention initiatives underway with high relevance to TBI
Short description of the
Partners in this work
programme
Relevance to TBI
programme
Measures of success
Improving falls and
Falls are the major
•  Ministry of Health
Outcomes framework
fracture service
cause of TBI in older
•  Health Quality &
with a dashboard to
outcomes for older
people
Safety Commission
measure success,
people
By preventing a fall, you
including reductions in
•  District health boards
A whole-of-system
can prevent a TBI
fall claims, hip fractures
approach targeting
•  Primary healthcare
and TBI
interventions to prevent
•  Osteoporosis New
falls and fractures and
Zealand
optimise rehabilitation,
enabling people to live
•  Local non-
well and independently
government
in their own homes
organisations and
community groups
Sports Concussion in
The appropriate
•  Sports Collaboration
New Zealand: ACC
management of
Group
National Guideline
concussion decreases
Evidence-based, best
the risk of a secondary
practice technical
moderate to severe TBI
document
GP/Primary healthcare
Contributes to a
•  Sports Collaboration
education
consistent standard of
Group
Education on best
care and appropriate
•  GPs
practice assessment
rehabilitation for TBI in
•  Conference
and diagnosis of
New Zealand
organisers
concussion
Coaching education
Appropriate early
•  Sports Collaboration
Education on the
management of
Group
recognition of
concussion can prevent
•  National Sports
concussion and roles
more severe TBI and
Organisations
and responsibilities
ongoing symptoms
•  Secondary school
sports coordinators
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ACCIDENT COMPENSATION CORPORATION

Current key injury prevention initiatives underway with high relevance to TBI
Short description of the
Partners in this work
programme
Relevance to TBI
programme
Measures of success
Safekids Aotearoa –
One of the injury
•  Safekids (and its
Direct reach of 90,000
Make Your Home a
risks covered by the
community coalition
families (170,000
Safety Zone
programme is the risk
partners)
children) per year
Safekids is training
of serious/catastrophic
Interventions are
community coalition
head injuries caused
proven to generate
partners to deliver
by falls. Safekids
behavioural change in
in-home injury
community delivery
parents
prevention education
partners will equip
Success will also be
to parents
parents with the
skills, knowledge and
gauged by a measurable
Safekids also provides
resources to prevent
reduction in child
resources for parents to  TBIs in children (aged
injuries – particularly
help them make simple
0-10)
serious head injuries
changes to the home
and TBI
environment
Contributing funding
Infant crying and
•  Ministry of Health
Incidence of TBI
to Ministry of Health
parents’/caregivers’
•  Te Puaruruhau –
Reach
to deliver Power to
inability to deal with
Auckland District
Protect
this is a key risk factor
Health Board
The programme aims to  for violently shaking
prevent the incidence of  babies, which can lead
shaken baby syndrome
to fatality or TBI
in New Zealand through
educating parents and
caregivers of newborn
babies on how to deal
with stress and cope
with crying babies
ASB St John in Schools
Concussion and
•  St John
Reaching 480,000
ASB St John in Schools
TBI prevention and
children, creating
educators will be
emergency response
improved
providing training
are incorporated into
understanding and
in injury prevention,
this training
behavioural change
disaster preparedness
among children who
and responding to
receive the intervention
an emergency to
Success will also be
480,000 preschool,
gauged by a measurable
primary school and
reduction in child
intermediate-aged
injuries – particularly
school children from
serious head injuries
2015 to 2019
and TBI
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN (2017 – 2021)
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Current key injury prevention initiatives underway with high relevance to TBI
Short description of the
Partners in this work
programme
Relevance to TBI
programme
Measures of success
Alcohol and drug
Any future
•  Health sector
strategy
programmes/
partners
Strategic work is
investments in alcohol
underway around ACC’s  and drug-related
response to alcohol
harm prevention will
and drug-related harm.
be focused on the
Work is in the early
prevention of serious/
(discovery) phase,
catastrophic injuries –
which involves a sector
which will include TBI
scan and understanding
ACC’s role in the sector
response to alcohol and
drug-related harm
Suicide prevention
Prevalence of ‘wilfully
•  Waikato District
Reduction in re-injury
service design with
self-inflicted’ head/
Health Board
and suicide mortality
Waikato District
neck/vertebrae injuries
rates in the region
Health Board
and concussions
This is a partnership
with the district health
board to understand
gaps in services for
people who attempt
suicide or deliberately
self-harm, and reorient
services to improve
patient outcomes
in order to prevent
re-injury and/or fatality
ACC’s child protection
Assault is one of the
•  Institute of
Customer outcomes
and family violence
known causes of
Environmental
Time to get right help
prevention approach
TBI in New Zealand,
Science and Research
A co-design project
with many assaults
(ESR)
to understand ACC’s
occurring within familial
role in child protection
settings. Reducing
and family violence
family harm through
prevention
early identification and
intervention will result
in a reduced risk of
resulting TBI
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ACCIDENT COMPENSATION CORPORATION

Current key injury prevention initiatives underway with high relevance to TBI
Short description of the
Partners in this work
programme
Relevance to TBI
programme
Measures of success
Plunket – injury
Multi-phased capability • Plunket
Plunket staff trained
prevention capability
build of Plunket staff
and delivering a
building programme
1. Board Injury
consistent standard of
Partnership with
Prevention
injury prevention
Plunket to build the
Framework – age and
education to parents
injury prevention
stage appropriate
that is age and stage
capabilities of its staff,
appropriate as part of
2. Capability build,
who have direct and
their Well Child service
training all Plunket
trusted access to 92% of
to over 90% of
staff to deliver injury
babies (0-5 years) and
newborns and their
prevention that
their families’ homes
families each year
is age and stage
each year
appropriate through
Success will also be
all Plunket channels
gauged by a
(PlunketLine,
measurable reduction in
kaiawhina, Plunket
child injuries –
nurses, parenting
particularly serious
education programme
head injuries and TBI
etc.); initial modules
will be on falls
and shaken baby
syndrome (both TBI
prevention). Training
based on deep
customer insights
and social marketing.
Interventions will be
targeted at parents
and delivered as part
of a broader social
marketing programme
about keeping babies
safe
The next steps of
initiative scoping
include developing
Plunket’s capability to
provide TBI support
during recovery in the
home
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN (2017 – 2021)
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