Effect of Collaborative Care for Persistent Postconcussive Symptoms on Academic Function: A Randomized Clinical...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric neurology
• Adolescent health
• School-based health interventions

Background:

• Limited long-term data exists on school-related issues for youth experiencing persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS).
• Understanding academic needs and outcomes is crucial for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of collaborative care versus usual care on academic functioning in youth with PPCS.
• To assess school-related problems, GPA, and school absences over a 12-month period.

Main Methods:

• A randomized trial involving 200 youth aged 11-18 with PPCS.
• Comparison of collaborative care to usual care, measuring academic functioning, GPA, school absences, and days missed.

Main Results:

• Half of participants experienced new or worsening academic problems within 12 months, regardless of care group.
• No significant differences were observed in overall school problems or GPA between groups.
• The collaborative care group showed a significant reduction in school days missed at 3, 6, and 12 months post-injury.

Conclusions:

• Youth with PPCS are at high risk for academic difficulties in the year following injury.
• Collaborative care may be effective in reducing school absenteeism for adolescents with PPCS.