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A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
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US Military Healthcare Professionals' Practice, Knowledge, and Misconceptions About Concussion
Sangita Baxi1, Irineo Cabreros, Lisa S Meredith
1RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California.
The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation
|February 2, 2023
Summary
US military healthcare professionals report barriers and low confidence in diagnosing and managing concussions. Customized education and better resources are needed to improve care for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
Area of Science:
- Military medicine
- Neurology
- Traumatic brain injury research
Background:
- Concussion diagnosis and management in nondeployed military settings presents challenges.
- Healthcare professionals require updated knowledge and training preferences for optimal patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess US military healthcare professionals' knowledge and training needs regarding concussion.
- To identify barriers in diagnosing and managing concussion in nondeployed settings.
Main Methods:
- Online surveys were administered to US military physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners.
- 744 active duty providers who had treated mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients in the prior 24 months completed the survey.
Main Results:
- Most physicians felt confident evaluating mTBI and ordering imaging, but accuracy in identifying "red flag" symptoms varied widely (28.2%–92.6%).
- Nurse practitioners reported the highest barriers (90.8%) to optimal patient care.
- Confidence levels in performing mTBI services varied among providers.
Conclusions:
- Despite regular concussion care, many US military providers face barriers, lack confidence, and desire better training.
- Tailored education, decision support tools, practice guidelines, and patient toolkits can enhance concussion care.
