00:00
Welcome to NASHIA’s OBISSS system.
This video explains the importance of the OBISSS system, how to access it, and the steps needed to complete it. Let’s get started.
00:16 — What is the OBISSS?
OBISSS stands for Online Brain Injury Screening and Support System.
OBISSS offers several key functions:
- Flexible Implementation
OBISSS can be completed independently by the participant or with assistance from a professional. - Risk Assessment
OBISSS identifies a person’s lifetime exposure to both traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries.
Please note: OBISSS does not provide a medical diagnosis. - Next Steps and Support
If the participant has a history of possible brain injury, OBISSS helps identify related challenges and provides guidance for next steps.
01:11 — Who is OBISSS for?
OBISSS is a subscription service customized for each state or organization.
It is appropriate for users aged 10 and older.
01:23 — Validated Tools Used in OBISSS
OBISSS uses reliable, research-supported tools:
- Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method (OSU TBI-ID)
- Symptoms Questionnaire for Brain Injury (SQBI), also called “the Squibby”
– OBISSS includes both adult and youth versions of the SQBI.
01:50 — Additional Features
OBISSS collects demographic information to support program evaluation.
It also provides tip sheets with strategies to help address challenges often associated with brain injury. These are provided to both the participant and the provider.
02:15 — Types of Data Provided
OBISSS provides information at multiple levels:
- Individual data to help identify possible brain injury and support service planning.
- Subscriber data for organizations or state systems.
- National data for comparison across programs and to help determine resource needs.
Getting Started
02:59 — What You Need
To begin, you will need:
- Internet access on a computer or mobile device
- The OBISSS link or QR code
- Your login information
- A provider email address
03:18 — Massachusetts OBISSS Link and Login
The Massachusetts OBISSS link is: nashia.org/obisss.
When prompted to enter your state, type MA (capital M, capital A).
When prompted for the subscriber code or password, enter 857.
03:48 — Massachusetts Contact
For questions about the Massachusetts OBISSS, contact Amanda Tower at:
amanda.tower@mass.gov
Accessibility Features
04:16
OBISSS includes built-in accessibility tools.
At the top right corner of each screen, users can increase text size or enable text-to-speech.
At the bottom of each screen, users can save their progress and return later.
Steps to Complete OBISSS
04:50 — Step 1: Log In
Follow the OBISSS link or scan the QR code.
Enter the login information provided to you and follow the on-screen instructions.
05:07 — Step 2: Consent and Demographics
The participant reviews the consent form (or has it read aloud) and answers the consent questions.
Next, the participant answers demographic questions.
05:24 — Step 3: OSU TBI-ID
The participant answers questions about any possible history of brain injury, to the best of their knowledge.
05:38 — Positive Screen for Possible Brain Injury
If the participant screens positive, results will be emailed to the provider and, if provided on the consent form, to the participant.
The participant then answers additional questions about any challenges they may experience.
06:00 — Negative Screen for Possible Brain Injury
If the participant screens negative, results are emailed to the provider and, if applicable, the participant.
At this point, the participant can select Submit and close the screen. OBISSS is complete.
Step 4: Completing the SQBI (if positive screen)
If the participant screens positive for possible brain injury, they will complete the SQBI.
They answer questions about potential challenges related to brain injury, including:
- Memory
- Processing
- Attention
- Inhibition (self-control)
- Physical and sensory-motor challenges
- Language
- Organization
- Mental flexibility
- Emotional regulation
07:00
If challenges are identified, the provider and participant (if they provided an email) will receive tip sheets with strategies for support.
The participant then selects Submit and closes the screen.
07:16
If no challenges are identified, the results are emailed, and the participant selects Submit. OBISSS is then complete.
After Completion
07:33
Providers should instruct the participant to check their email for results or provide printed results if the participant does not have email access.
If challenges were identified, providers should use the strategy sheets to support service planning.
Why Use OBISSS?
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Understanding possible brain injury and knowing which strategies support the participant can:
- Save time
- Reduce frustration for both providers and participants
- Improve communication and service outcomes
Need Help?
For questions about implementation, appropriate use, next steps, or technical issues, please contact your OBISSS administrator.
Massachusetts OBISSS Login Information (Repeat)
- Link: nashia.org/obisss
- State code: MA
- Subscriber code: 857
- Massachusetts contact: amanda.tower@mass.gov
About NASHIA
OBISSS is provided in partnership with the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA).
To learn more, visit nashia.org.