240594 Heads up: Using Your Brain When Tackling Concussions

Tuesday, November 1, 2011: 10:30 AM

Matthew Davies , University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Charles Ashley , University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Shane Diamond , University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Lauren Gilligan , University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Alberto Gutierrez , University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Lindsay Karr , University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Christina Pedro , University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Colleen Wise, RN, BSN, MA , Chittenden East Supervisory Union, Richmond, VT
Brenda Perkins, RN, BSN, MA , Chittenden East Supervisory Union, Richmond, VT
Thomas V. Delaney, PhD , Dept. of Pediatrics, UVM College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Jan K. Carney, MD MPH , Department of Medicine, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Introduction. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by biomechanical forces inflicted on the head or on the body, causing a change in the way the brain works. Risks of concussion are often underestimated, leading to inadequate management and premature return to play among athletes. Objective. Our study aim was to evaluate public awareness and knowledge of concussion and assess barriers to proper management and education. Methods. An anonymous survey assessing knowledge and attitudes toward concussion was designed after reviewing literature available on diagnosis and management. The survey was administered online and handed out at a school meeting concerning concussion. Populations included parents, coaches, athletic trainers, teachers, school nurses, physicians, physician's assistants and nurses who are associated with students in the Chittenden East Supervisory Union school district in Vermont. Results. From 446 total responses: 97% of the survey respondents felt the school district should have uniform guidelines; 61% (203/332) of parents surveyed did not feel well-informed about signs, symptoms and management of concussion; 23% (6/27) coaches and athletic trainers responded that the risk of concussion is minimal if a player is wearing the proper equipment. Conclusion. Respondents have a general knowledge base about concussions, but would like to have concise information provided to them, mostly in the form of a website. There is strong support for a standardized approach to concussion management in this school district. This model could be applied in other locations as a way to improve concussion management at the community level.

Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related education
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
1. Evaluate the readiness of a community for a uniform approach to concussion management 2. Describe research methods used to determine community knowledge and educational interest in concussion management 3. Formulate strategies to implement a uniform approach to concussion management in a community

Keywords: Community Planning, Injury

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Design, implementation, data collection, analysis, interpretation, writing, and presentation of the project.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.