From the CDC: A qualitative study of middle and high school professionals' experiences and views on concussion: Identifying opportunities to support the return to school process

Abstract

Introduction: Current research recommends that students returning to school after a concussion should receive a return to school plan that is tailored to their individual symptoms. School professionals play important roles in designing and implementing the supports outlined in return to school plans. Methods: This qualitative study explored middle and high school professionals' experiences with concussion, particularly their knowledge and perceptions of the injury and their experience with supporting students with concussion. Six focus groups were conducted with two to four school professionals per group, including two groups of teachers, two groups of school psychologists and counselors, and two groups of school nurses. Findings were coded into four categories: (a) challenges with identifying a concussion; (b) strategies for communicating with students about concussion; (c) barriers to implementing return to learn plans; and (d) establishing a collaborative school support team. Results: School professionals who participated in the focus groups were knowledgeable about concussion and the importance of helping their student recover. Participants also understood the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of concussion and communicating with students and parents about this injury. However, the study participants reported various challenges related to concussion identification and management, including the perceived validity of concussion symptom reporting by students. A team-based approach was mentioned across all groups as the preferred method for school-based concussion management for students. Conclusion: School professionals in this study were eager to address concussion in their schools, but desire guidance on how to overcome social norms around concussion identification and reporting. In addition, there is a need for consistent use of written instructions from healthcare providers to help guide return to learn (RTL) accommodations.

Making Headway for Discussions About Concussions: Experiences of Former High School and Collegiate Student-Athletes

“…School professionals see other barriers. For instance, school nurses and athletic trainers report that legislative efforts supported their management of return-to-play and return-to-school, but barriers still included lack of educator knowledge and inconsistent care from physicians (19), as well as established social norms for recognition and underreporting of concussions (20). Still, none of the interviewees provided any indication of educational staff opposition to academic workload modifications.…”

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s HEADS UP branding and evaluation process

“…In recruiting participants, we strived for racial, ethnic and geographic diversity–targeting participants from each census region. More details about recruitment are published elsewhere (Sarmiento et al, 2019a, 2019b, 2019c).…”

“…From the original focus groups, the subset of participants included 4 young athletes, 4 youth and high school coaches, 3 parents and 4 school professionals, resulting in a total of 15 participants. More details about recruitment can be found elsewhere (Sarmiento et al, 2019a, 2019b, 2019c). These participants were asked questions related to the overall look and feel of the refreshed logo and tagline.…”

Developing a Comprehensive, Interdisciplinary Concussion Program

“… 17 , 18 The CCM also works with these schools and meets regularly to establish and review return-to-play and return-to-learn criteria, as well as development of head injury protocols. 19 , 20 The CCM also directs and provides educational training opportunities for school staff, including teachers, administrators, and nurses, as well as for parents to learn more about concussions and symptom recognition. 21 , 22 On a larger scale, TUKHS also has partnerships with college and professional athlete groups, using the expertise of the CCM team.…”