What is the Westmead Post-Traumatic Amnesia Scale (WPTAS)?

The Westmead Post-Traumatic Amnesia Scale (WPTAS) is a standardized clinical assessment tool specifically designed to evaluate the duration and severity of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) following traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Who developed the WPTAS and when?

Developed by researchers at Westmead Hospital in Sydney, Australia, led by Elaine A. Shores, and first published in 1986.

What type of assessment is the WPTAS?

It is a structured clinical interview and observation tool administered by healthcare professionals.

What does the WPTAS assess?

• Orientation to time, place, and person
• Recent memory function
• Duration of post-traumatic amnesia
• Cognitive recovery following TBI
• Patient safety and rehabilitation readiness

How many items and what format?

12 items assessing orientation (6 items) and memory (6 items), scored as correct (1) or incorrect (0).

How is the WPTAS scored?

Total score ranges from 0-12. Higher scores indicate better cognitive function and shorter PTA duration.

Are there versions of the WPTAS?

Standard 12-item version; some adaptations exist for different populations or research purposes.

Who can use the WPTAS?

Healthcare professionals (nurses, physicians, neuropsychologists) working with TBI patients in acute care and rehabilitation settings.

What are the strengths of the WPTAS?

Excellent inter-rater reliability, quick administration, strong predictive validity for TBI outcomes, and clinical utility for discharge planning.

What are the limitations of the WPTAS?

Requires trained healthcare professional for administration; may not capture subtle cognitive deficits; limited to PTA assessment.

How is the WPTAS used?

Acute TBI assessment, monitoring PTA resolution, rehabilitation planning, discharge decision-making, and research on TBI recovery.