Sport Concussion Management Using Facebook: A Feasibility Study of an Innovative Adjunct "iCon"

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Digital Health
• Concussion Management

Background:

• Sport concussion requires innovative management strategies for athletic trainers.
• Current methods for concussion management need enhancement, particularly for facilitating safe return to play.
• Young athletes are a key demographic affected by sport concussion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a Facebook-based program, iCon (interactive concussion management), for managing sport concussion.
• To evaluate iCon's potential to facilitate safe return to play (RTP) in young individuals post-concussion.
• To explore participant experiences with an interactive digital tool for concussion recovery.

Main Methods:

• An observational study utilizing a private Facebook group with interactive features.
• Moderation and support provided by trained healthcare professionals.
• Data collected via pre- and post-intervention questionnaires and usage analytics over 3 months.

Main Results:

• All participants (100%) would recommend iCon, highlighting its potential to improve concussion management.
• A significant majority (82%) reported increased knowledge regarding their RTP.
• Qualitative feedback indicated participant appreciation for the interactive and supportive nature of the program.

Conclusions:

• The iCon program is a feasible adjunct to traditional concussion management, warranting further investigation in larger studies.
• Multimedia technologies, like iCon, show promise in assisting athletic trainers with sport concussion management.
• The positive reception suggests a need for integrating digital health solutions into concussion care pathways.