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Weber Rawlins ML, Johnson RS, Schmidt JD, Lynall RC, O'Brien KH, Welch Bacon CE. University educators' perceptions of academic adjustments following a concussion for student-athletes and non-student-athletes. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:2220-2228. [PMID: 35943951 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2108324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To identify (1) university educators' perceptions of academic adjustments (AA), and (2) if teaching experience correlated with AA perceptions following concussion. Participants: Two hundred twenty educators. Methods: University educators were invited to complete a survey containing four subsections; this manuscript focuses on AA following concussion. Objective 1 was descriptive; we conducted spearman's rho correlations between years of teaching experience and AA perceptions to address objective 2. Results: Educators were moderately familiar with AA but were not confident in their knowledge about AA following concussion. Participants who provided AA following concussion most often allowed excused absences and extra time for exams/assignments. There were no significant relationships between teaching experience and perceptions of AA. Conclusions: University educators largely feel unprepared to provide or recommend AA following concussion but had favorable AA perceptions following concussion. Standardized policies or referral sites within the university system may be warranted to improve post-concussion AA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Weber Rawlins
- School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Rachel S Johnson
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Robert C Lynall
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Katy H O'Brien
- Communication Sciences and Special Education, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Cailee E Welch Bacon
- Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA
- School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA
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O'Brien KH, Pei Y, Kemp AM, Gartell R, Wallace T. Pilot testing the SUCCESS peer mentoring program for students with concussion: the role of personas in mobile technology development. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2024; 19:1964-1979. [PMID: 37522162 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2023.2239293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE College students with concussion experience academic, cognitive and psychosocial challenges, yet frequently lack supports necessary for successful reintegration into school. Success in College after Concussion with Effective Student Supports (SUCCESS) is a virtual peer mentoring program designed to provide education, support and connection through a mobile application. The purpose of this study was to describe use of personas as components of mobile app development and conduct preliminary testing of SUCCESS using personas. METHODS Personas were developed from case studies and portrayed by college students trained as fictitious mentees. Mentors were blinded to use of personas. Eleven mentors completed measures pre and post a 4-week mentoring cycle. Mentors and personas interacted in the app via chat, video calls and sharing of educational materials. Measures included the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS); PROMIS Self-Efficacy; Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS); and a series of focus groups. RESULTS Mentors suggested improvements to resolve instability of video calls, expand educational materials to address psychosocial functioning, and add structure to the mentoring relationship. Some preferences around communication, like groups chats and emoji keyboards, were not able to be addressed. As expected, PCSS scores were stable. DASS score (p = .04), especially depression (p = .03), decreased. PROMIS scores showed a trend towards growth (p = .057), although were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Use of personas allowed technical challenges and program refinements to be addressed before including students with subacute concussion in testing. Although continued development will address enhancement of communication modalities preferred by students, future efficacy testing of SUCCESS is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy H O'Brien
- Communication Sciences and Special Education, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, Allina Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Yalian Pei
- Communication Sciences and Special Education, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Amy M Kemp
- Communication Sciences and Special Education, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Rebecca Gartell
- Shepherd Center, Crawford Research Institute, Complex Concussion Clinic, SHARE Military Initiative, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tracey Wallace
- Shepherd Center, Crawford Research Institute, Complex Concussion Clinic, SHARE Military Initiative, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Lee SP, Maluotoga M, Thind R, Lindsay L, Bhatta T, Miller CA. Utilization and Perception of Peer-Support After Lower Limb Loss in the United States: Potential Benefits on Mobility Outcomes. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2024; 105:939-946.e3. [PMID: 38242299 PMCID: PMC11069449 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2023.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine participants' experiences with peer-support after lower limb loss (LLL) and the associations between the peer-support experience (perceived benefits and barriers) and mobility outcomes. DESIGN Quantitative and qualitative descriptive study with a cross-sectional design. SETTING National survey (distributed to 169 peer-support groups in 44 states in the US). PARTICIPANTS The survey was completed by 82 individuals with a major lower limb amputation (53% female, 54% over 55 years of age; N=82). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES A 32-item survey to examine respondents' experiences in peer-support activities. Prosthetic mobility was measured using the Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS-M). RESULTS Two out of 3 respondents received some forms of peer-support after amputation. Among them 75% reported peer-support having a positive effect on their outlook on life, and 78% reported that information gained from peer-support was helpful. Companionship, altruistic acts, and gaining information on how to cope with amputation were the top themes of why respondents enjoyed the peer-support experience. Nearly all (94%) respondents would recommend peer-support to other people with LLL. Individuals who received peer-support exhibited a trend of greater mobility (55th vs 36th percentile on PLUS-M; P=.055). CONCLUSION Individuals with LLL reported generally positive experiences regarding their engagement in peer-support activities. Peer-support groups are viewed as a helpful source for both information and emotional support, potentially benefiting functional and psychological recovery after amputation. Individuals who have received peer-support also exhibited greater mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Ping Lee
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV.
| | - Moriah Maluotoga
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
| | - Roopkiran Thind
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
| | | | - Tirth Bhatta
- Department of Sociology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
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Bevilacqua ZW. Concussion is a temporary disability: rethinking mild traumatic brain injury in sports medicine. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1362702. [PMID: 38504797 PMCID: PMC10948499 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1362702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary W. Bevilacqua
- State University of New York at Brockport, Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies and Physical Education, Brockport, NY, United States
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Wallace TD, Knollman-Porter K, Brown J, Schwartz A, Hodge A, Brown G, Beardslee J, Gore RK. mTBI evaluation, management, and referral to allied healthcare: practices of first-line healthcare professionals. Brain Inj 2024; 38:32-44. [PMID: 38333958 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2024.2309245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE To gain an understanding of current evaluation practices, post-injury recommendations, and referrals to allied healthcare professions (AHP) by first-line healthcare professionals (FHPs) providing care for people with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). RESEARCH DESIGN Survey study. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and athletic trainers (n = 126) completed an online survey, including Likert scale and free response question relating to mTBI evaluation, management, and referral practices. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS FHPs surveyed reported being confident in their ability to evaluate patients with suspected mTBI, relying most heavily on patient-reported symptoms and physical signs as methods of evaluation. Most FHPs reported making recommendations to compensate for the symptoms experienced following mTBI diagnosis. In contrast, FHPs expressed challenges in the evaluation and management of symptoms associated with mTBI along with limited knowledge of and referrals to AHPs. CONCLUSIONS Overall, FHPs feel confident in the diagnosis of mTBI but experience assessment and management challenges. AHPs are underutilized on mTBI management teams calling for a need for multidisciplinary collaboration on research, education, and rehabilitation efforts to optimally care for people experiencing mTBI symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey D Wallace
- Complex Concussion Clinic, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- SHARE Military Initiative, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | - Amber Schwartz
- Complex Concussion Clinic, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- SHARE Military Initiative, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - April Hodge
- Complex Concussion Clinic, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Gregory Brown
- Complex Concussion Clinic, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- SHARE Military Initiative, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Russell K Gore
- Complex Concussion Clinic, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- SHARE Military Initiative, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Schacter HL, D Ehrhardt A, MacDonell KE. Associations between peer experiences and health outcomes among adolescents and young adults with asthma. J Asthma 2023; 60:1359-1368. [PMID: 36369912 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2022.2147080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although peer relationships become increasingly important across adolescence and early adulthood, research examining links between peer relationships and the health outcomes of young people with asthma is scarce. Using a large sample of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with asthma, the current study assessed whether positive and negative peer experiences are associated with AYAs' asthma control, asthma self-efficacy, and internalizing symptoms. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, a national sample of 440 diverse adolescents and young adults with asthma completed an online survey. Questionnaires assessed general and asthma-specific peer experiences (i.e. peer victimization; peer support; asthma-related peer problems) and health indicators (i.e. asthma control; asthma self-efficacy; internalizing symptoms). Regression analyses were performed to examine associations between peer experiences and health while controlling for participant age, gender, race/ethnicity, and age of asthma diagnosis. RESULTS Results from separate regression models indicated that adolescents who experienced greater peer victimization, less peer support, and more asthma-related peer problems also reported worse asthma control, lower asthma self-efficacy, and more severe internalizing symptoms. Follow-up exploratory analyses indicated that peer victimization and asthma-related peer problems were the strongest predictors of asthma control and internalizing, whereas peer support and asthma-related peer problems were the strongest predictors of asthma self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS This study underscores connections between peer relationships and health outcomes among AYAs with asthma. Interventions that leverage peer support and mitigate peer stress may offer a developmentally appropriate approach for mitigating physical and psychological distress among adolescents and young adults with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karen E MacDonell
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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Bevilacqua ZW, McPherson J. Commentary: Establishing the college Return to Learn team for concussion: a practical approach. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1188741. [PMID: 37388157 PMCID: PMC10306098 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1188741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary W. Bevilacqua
- Department of Exercise Science, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Jacob McPherson
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
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O’Brien KH, Pei Y, Kemp AM, Gartell R, Gore RK, Wallace T. The SUCCESS Peer Mentoring Program for College Students with Concussion: Preliminary Results of a Mobile Technology Delivered Intervention. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5438. [PMID: 37107720 PMCID: PMC10138278 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Concussions are caused by a hit or blow to the head that alters normal brain functioning. The Success in College after Concussion with Effective Student Supports (SUCCESS) program was developed to provide students with psychosocial support and resources-both key components of concussion management-to assist in recovery and return-to-learn following concussion. In this preliminary evaluation of intervention efficacy, SUCCESS was delivered through a mobile application connecting mentors (students who have recovered from concussion and successfully returned to school) with mentees who were currently recovering. Mentor-mentee pairs met virtually through the app, using chat and videoconferencing features to share support, resources, and program-specific educational materials. Results from 16 mentoring pairs showed that mentee symptoms (V = 119, p = 0.009) and academic problems decreased (V = 114.5, p = 0.002), while academic self-efficacy increased (V = 13.5, p = 0.009) following mentoring. As expected, mentor measures were stable, indicating that providing mentoring did not exacerbate previously resolved concussion complaints. Virtual peer mentoring provided through a mobile application may be a feasible intervention to support academic success and psychosocial processing during recovery for college students with concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy H. O’Brien
- Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, Allina Health, Minneapolis, MN 55407, USA
| | - Yalian Pei
- Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Amy M. Kemp
- Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Rebecca Gartell
- Virginia C. Crawford Research Institute, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA (T.W.)
| | - Russell K. Gore
- Complex Concussion Clinic, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA
| | - Tracey Wallace
- Virginia C. Crawford Research Institute, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA (T.W.)
- Complex Concussion Clinic, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA
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Kemp AM, O'Brien KH, Wallace T. Reconceptualizing Recovery After Concussion: A Phenomenological Exploration of College Student Experiences. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023; 32:867-882. [PMID: 36108288 DOI: 10.1044/2022_ajslp-22-00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Typical measures of recovery from concussion-such as symptom scales, neurocognitive testing, or exertion measures-may not capture individualized experiences of concussion. This report examines how college students with concussion interact with and consider their recovery. METHOD Sixteen college students who sustained concussions while in college completed 40- to 75-min semistructured interviews. All were enrolling to become mentors in a peer mentoring program for students with concussion. Questions addressed experiences as a college student with concussion, life changes following concussion, and role of peers in recovery. Using phenomenological reduction, analysis focused on the phenomenon of recovery and motivation for participation in a mentoring program. RESULTS Two main themes were found: (a) What Recovery Looks Like and (b) Gaining Perspective, Learning to Cope and Adapting to Change. Thirteen participants denied the label of "recovered" even though all had been deemed recovered and discharged from medical care. Instead, two subthemes emerged within What Recovery Looks Like: Ongoing Recovery and Reconceptualizing Recovery. Perceptions of recovery were influenced by effort, capacity, and resilience. In the second theme, students described strategies, resources, and supports used to cope with their injuries; most commonly used was emotion-focused coping. CONCLUSIONS College students with concussion consider recovery as an ongoing process rather than a dichotomized condition. Student experiences may not be reflected in commonly used symptom scales or objective assessments. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.21084925.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Kemp
- Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education, University of Georgia, Athens
| | - Katy H O'Brien
- Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education, University of Georgia, Athens
| | - Tracey Wallace
- SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center, Crawford Research Institute, Complex Concussion Clinic, Atlanta, GA
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Bevilacqua ZW, Rich J, Henry TJ. Understanding how faculty make return-to-learn decisions for college students. NeuroRehabilitation 2023; 53:473-489. [PMID: 37899065 DOI: 10.3233/nre-230177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND College faculty are receiving attention as influential members of the Return-to-Learn (RTL) process for students with concussion. Investigators continue to learn more about how faculty can assist students throughout recovery, yet we must also strive to determine whether such evidence is isolated or is in fact exhibited by faculty elsewhere. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine if successive faculty cohorts demonstrate similar perspectives and RTL decision-making profiles as those from initial investigations. METHODS Two universities in New York State were recruited to participate in a two-stage cross-sectional study. College faculty with teaching responsibilities were given the opportunity to complete an online Qualtrics survey followed by a private interview discussing their thoughts, perspectives, and/or experiences with managing students with concussion. RESULTS Accommodations for students were allowed more often when some form of documentation was present (disability services note = 100%; multiple types of proof = 91%; doctor/medical notes = 90%; and no note = 75%). Three factors consistently scored as influential to faculty RTL decision-making: documentation, teacher-student relationship, and empathy. No significant differences in scoring were seen between male and female faculty participants. Follow-up interviews revealed two themes: legitimacy and empathy. Legitimacy outlines why faculty seek verification of concussion prior to allowing accommodations and includes two subthemes: i) note/documentation, and ii) fairness/protecting integrity. Empathy discusses how and why faculty empathetically assist students with concussion, and includes two subthemes: i) personality, and ii) past experiences/understanding of concussion. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that faculty from different universities display similar RTL decision-making tendencies and perspectives towards students with concussion as those from initial investigations. These data allow RTL stakeholders to better understand and appreciate the potential for faculty to act as facilitators to concussion support. As gatekeepers of the classroom environment, understanding how to produce faculty cooperation will ensure a reproducible and positive outcome for students recovering from concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary W Bevilacqua
- Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies & Physical Education, SUNY Brockport, Brockport, NY, USA
| | - Jason Rich
- Department of Exercise Science, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Timothy J Henry
- Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies & Physical Education, SUNY Brockport, Brockport, NY, USA
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