Concussion Management in the Classroom

J Child Neurol. 2016 Dec;31(14):1569-1574. doi: 10.1177/0883073816666205. Epub 2016 Sep 2.

Abstract

There is a new emphasis on the team approach to pediatric concussion management, particularly in the classroom. However, it is expected that educators are unfamiliar with the "Returning to Learning" recommendations. The authors' primary objective was to assess and improve high school educators' knowledge regarding concussions and management interventions using an online education tool. A total of 247 high school educators completed a 12 question pretest to assess core knowledge of concussions and classroom management followed by a 20-minute online literature-based education module. Participants then completed an identical posttest. The improvement in core knowledge was statistically significant (P < .001). Initial areas of weakness were the description and identification of concussions. Questions regarding concussion classroom management also showed a statistically significant increase in scores (P < .001). This study identifies the deficits in the knowledge of educators regarding concussions and classroom management as well as the significant improvement after an online educational module.

Keywords: education; intervention; mild traumatic brain injury; recovery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brain Concussion / therapy*
  • Disease Management
  • Female
  • Health Education*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • School Teachers
  • Schools*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Teacher Training*