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Charleston L, Posas J. Categorizing Sports-Related Concussion Disparities by Key Domains of Social Determinants of Health. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2024; 28:125-132. [PMID: 38227210 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-023-01187-2] [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] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To explore recently published data on disparities in concussion and best categorize these data into domains of social determinants of health (SDOH). RECENT FINDINGS Disparities in concussion cover a range of SDOH domains. Questions on disparities in concussion remain. Interventions to reduce these disparities and inequities are needed. Social determinants of health may play a significant role in disparities and inequities in sports related concussion. There is interplay and overlap in SDOH domains that affect concussion outcomes. It is possible that an increase in SDOH may affect concussion disparities by moderated mediation; however, further data is needed to validate this potential effect. Moreover, attention to SDOH domains in sports related concussion may provide insight on intervention targets to ameliorate disparities in sports related concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry Charleston
- Department of Neurology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Jose Posas
- Oschner Health Neuroscience Institute, New Orleans, LA, USA
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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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Hess CW, Howland J, Hackman H, Campbell JK, Vannoy S, Hayden L. Implementation of Concussion Management Policies in High Schools: The Critical Role of School Nurses. J Sch Nurs 2023:10598405231160249. [PMID: 36916285 DOI: 10.1177/10598405231160249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence-based practices in concussion management (CM) have been codified into legislation. However, legislation is varied, and implementation is narrowly evaluated. School nurses hold a unique position to assess the implementation of health policies. The implementation of concussion management policies across Massachusetts high schools was evaluated by the school nurse. A cross-sectional survey was sent to school nurses (N = 304), and responses (n = 201; 68.1% response rate) were tallied whereby higher scores indicated more practices being implemented. One open-text question was included to encourage nurses to provide context regarding implementation in their school. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to assess current implementation and nursing perspectives. Findings indicate that the degree of implementation varies, and some nurses reported difficulty with mobilizing clinical uptake of concussion management practices in their schools. Further implementation research is needed, and school nurses are an important stakeholder to include when assessing the clinical uptake of concussion management policies in schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney W Hess
- Counseling & School Psychology, 14708University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Howland
- Emergency Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,1836Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Holly Hackman
- Emergency Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,1836Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julia K Campbell
- Health Behavior, 2331University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Steven Vannoy
- Counseling & School Psychology, 14708University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura Hayden
- Counseling & School Psychology, 14708University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
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Abstract
Purpose of Review Youth sports participation has shifted from a school-based, seasonal activity to club-based, year-round activity over the past 10–15 years. Single sport specialization has become increasingly common with a concurrent increase in injury and burnout. Paralleling trends seen in other aspects of health care, disparities in regard to participation in youth sports, and subsequent injury treatment exist as well. Recognition of these disparities amongst coaches, parents, and athletes involved in youth sports are essential to promote the short- and long-term health of pediatric and adolescent athletes. Recent Findings Multiple barriers exist for youth in regard to sports participation. Youth who come from families without extensive financial means are increasingly finding it difficult to play organized sports, with this trend holding when broken down by insurance status (public versus private). This problem is further exacerbated by the lack of community-based programming in locations where organized (albeit expensive) options do not exist. The lack of athletic trainers increases the divide, as well as the care that injured athletes receive (particularly in public schools within communities of color) is not equivalent to schools with extensive financial resources. Thus, ability to quickly return to play after injury and/or access the health care system is limited. This is further exemplified by inferior outcomes in regard to care for anterior cruciate ligament, meniscus, shoulder instability, and concussions in this population. Summary Youth sports participation is laden with multiple disparities. This is unfortunately reflective of historical barriers to opportunities/advancements in multiple other areas of society. These disparities place certain groups of children at an uphill battle not only for participation when healthy, but also returning to participation when injured. Larger structural changes in youth sports are necessary to promote life-long, healthy physical activities for individuals most at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirav Kiritkumar Pandya
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Department of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, 747 52nd Street, Oakland, CA, 94609, USA.
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Wallace J, Hou BQ, Hajdu K, Tang AR, Grusky AZ, Lee T, Zuckerman SL, Yengo-Kahn AM. Healthcare Navigation of Black and White Adolescents Following Sport-Related Concussion: A Path Towards Achieving Health Equity. J Athl Train 2021; 57:352-359. [PMID: 35439315 PMCID: PMC9020596 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-0330.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Care-seeking behaviors for sport-related concussion (SRC) are not consistent across demographic subgroups. These differences may not only stem from health inequities but can further perpetuate disparities in care for SRCs. OBJECTIVE To determine whether racial differences exist in the care pathway from injury to SRC clinic within adolescent athletes. DESIGN Retrospective cohort Setting: Regional SRC center Participants: Of 582 total athletes, 486 (83.5%) White and 96 (16.5%) Black adolescent athletes were diagnosed with SRC and evaluated within 3 months at the SRC clinic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Race was the defined exposure, dichotomized as Black or White. The four primary outcomes included: 1)location of first health system contact, 2)time from injury to first health system contact 3) time to in-person SRC clinic visit, and 4) whether the athlete established care (>1 visit), was released immediately to an athletic trainer, or lost to follow-up. RESULTS Black and White athletes mostly presented directly to SRC clinic (61.5% vs 62.3%) at a median[interquartile range] of 3[1,5] vs 4[1,8] days respectively (p=0.821). Similar proportions of Black and White athletes also first presented to the ED (30.2% vs 27.2%) at a median of 0[0,1] vs 0[0,1] days (p=0.941). Black athletes more frequently had care transferred to their athletic trainer (39.6% vs 29.6%) and less frequently established care (56.3% vs 64.0%), however these differences were not statistically significant (p=0.138). Lost to follow-up was uncommon among Black and White athletes alike (4.2% vs 6.4%). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that within an established SRC referral network and multidisciplinary clinic, there were no observed racial disparities in how athletes were initially managed and/or ultimately presented to SRC clinic despite racial differences in school type and insurance coverage. SRC center assimilation and affiliation with school systems may be helpful in improving access and providing equitable care across diverse patient demographics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Wallace
- 1Department of Health Science, Athletic Training Program, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
| | - Brian Q Hou
- 2Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN.,3Vanderbilt Sport Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Katherine Hajdu
- 2Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN.,3Vanderbilt Sport Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Alan R Tang
- 2Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN.,3Vanderbilt Sport Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Alan Z Grusky
- 2Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN.,3Vanderbilt Sport Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Timothy Lee
- 3Vanderbilt Sport Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Scott L Zuckerman
- 3Vanderbilt Sport Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN.,4Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Aaron M Yengo-Kahn
- 3Vanderbilt Sport Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN.,4Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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