Exploring the value of the SCHOOLFirst return-to-school resource: Evaluating usability and satisfaction

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Rehabilitation
• Educational Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Concussion significantly impacts students' return to school, requiring tailored educational support.
• Educators need evidence-based resources to effectively manage students' return to school post-concussion.
• Existing resources may not adequately address the multifaceted needs of students reintegrating after a concussion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate SCHOOLFirst, an evidence-based resource for educators supporting students returning to school after concussion.
• To assess the usability and user satisfaction of the SCHOOLFirst resource among educators.
• To understand the resource's role in facilitating students' return to school and to measure changes in concussion knowledge.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered during a concussion education and training workshop involving 56 educators.
• The survey collected demographic data, usability via the System Usability Scale, and satisfaction.
• Thematic analysis was employed for open-ended feedback to understand user experience.

Main Results:

• Educators reported the SCHOOLFirst resource as easy to use (69.6%) and not complex (62.5%), with high confidence (83.9%).
• Satisfaction with the resource was high (73.2%), with a strong intention to use it in the future (87.5%).
• Participants found links, videos, and academic support strategies helpful, though some suggested a summarized reference guide.

Conclusions:

• The SCHOOLFirst resource is a user-friendly, evidence-based tool that educators found satisfactory for supporting students returning to school post-concussion.
• Collaborative development involving educators, healthcare providers, and families enhances the resource's utility for successful student reintegration.
• Educators perceive the resource as valuable for providing classroom accommodations and academic support, indicating its potential to improve concussion management in schools.