gms | German Medical Science

Objective: The appropriate assessment and management of sport-related concussion has drawn increased attention particularly during the past few years for a number of reasons. Recent research findings have established chronic changes to the brain as a result of repetitive trauma. Additionally, evidence of early stages of depression has also been reported in former athletes in their third and fourth decades of life, some leading to suicidal tendencies. As a result of the potentially traumatic consequences associated with sports-related concussion, increased litigation has become a reality, leading practitioners to become more aware of the most currently accepted guidelines for concussion management. The purpose of this presentation is to share an educational program devised by the authors that can be presented to healthcare providers, parents, coaches, and athletes informing them of the most current guidelines for concussion care.

Material/Methods: The authors have collaborated to establish a series of on-line courses with the focus of educating all constituents who may be exposed to concussions. Each course can be accessed on a central website regardless of one’s location for viewing. Course development involved peer review and individual focus group feedback prior to completion. Feedback assisted to determine optimal course length for specific groups (healthcare provider versus parent). Courses are designed to be interactive, with modular based learning components comprising of post section quizzes. Courses are delivered in the language most appropriate for the recipient. For example, course for healthcare providers speak specifically to the evaluation process, including the SCAT2 assessment, and detailed neurophysiology. Courses designed for parents, coaches and student athletes are much shorter in length, and focus on the recognition of signs and symptoms, as well as the importance of not returning to play following a concussion without the clearance of a physician and the absence of all signs and symptoms.

Results: To date, users from all over the world have found the on-line model for concussion education to be a valuable resource. The educational program serves as a one-stop shop of information that is current, accurate, and easy to follow. The voice narration allows for the user to listen while viewing text information, videos, and images on each slide. Additionally, accompanying references are provided for the viewer to refer to should further information be sought. Healthcare providers can complete the course content in approximately 2 hours, and all others (coaches, parents, athletes) can complete their version in about 20 minutes.

Conclusion: The development of user-friendly, easily accessible programs can be very successful in educating mass amounts of constituents with timely and valuable information about concussions. The more people that become educated with regards to current concussion management the less likely the chances of catastrophic related injuries and subsequent lawsuits seeking negligence. Such programs can be shared internationally or developed locally for specific audiences. The online concussion education program serves as a model for future programs in other areas of risk management for sports medicine professionals.