Developing a Comprehensive, Interdisciplinary Concussion Program.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Growing public and media interest in concussion injuries over the past 20 years.
• Concerns regarding potential long-term effects of sports-related concussions highlight a public health need.
• Need for comprehensive concussion prevention and management strategies across all injury types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the establishment and operational model of an interdisciplinary Center for Concussion Management.
• To address the need for concussion prevention and management in both sports and non-sports contexts.
• To detail the program's multidisciplinary approach and expansion of services.

Main Methods:

• Initiation of an interdisciplinary Center for Concussion Management program in 2012.
• Implementation of a virtual clinic concept with voluntary provider participation.
• Operated as a multidisciplinary team model, not owned by a single department.

Main Results:

• The program has operated continuously since its inception in 2012.
• The center successfully integrated voluntary participation from various institutional providers.
• Expanded services to include education and outreach to local and regional schools and groups.

Conclusions:

• An interdisciplinary, virtual clinic model can effectively address concussion management needs.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration is key to overcoming resource limitations (budget, space).
• Program expansion demonstrates successful outreach and educational impact beyond clinical services.