Small Group Discussion 3.2: Outline of a Research Article
The Use of Hypothermia as a Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury

1. Introduction and core story elements
a. What is the overview of the purpose of the study and the problem discussed?
i. Research has shown that hypothermia has neuroprotective effects and might be an effective source of treatment for patients with head injuries. When discussing the treatment of patients with traumatic brain injuries, hypothermia is a controversial issue. The purpose of this study was to compare existing research on the use of hypothermia with TBI patients to determine if it is an adequate form of treatment.
b. Is the problem clearly stated? . Yes. Hypothermia has been shown to have neuroprotective effects and may have benefit in the treatment of head injuries. However, it is a controversial treatment in traumatic brain injury.
c. Is the problem clearly supported with literature? . The question is supported by literature but the conclusion is not.
d. What are the research questions? . Is hypothermia an adequate form of treatment to prevent secondary injury in patients with a TBI?
e. Are the questions clearly stated? . The question was not clearly stated within this article. The introduction leads up to the idea that hypothermia is an effective treatment for TBI but there is not a clear PICOT formed question. Evaluate the literature reviewed . What literature was reviewed to support the purpose and need for the study? . Brain Trauma Foundation. (2007). Guidelines for the management of severe traumatic brain injury: 3rd Edition. Journal of Neurotrauma, 24(Suppl. 1), S1-S106
i. Peterson, K., Carson, S., & Carney, N. (2008). Hypothermia treatment for traumatic brain injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Neurotrauma, 25, 62-71. ii. Wright, J.E. (2005). Therapeutic hypothermia in traumatic