Effect of RISE Bundle implementation on school adoption of a student-centered return-to-learn program in Washington...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Public Health
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• School-based concussion management is crucial for student recovery, yet effective return-to-learn (RTL) programs are often inadequate or inconsistent.
• Implementing student-centered RTL programs can help mitigate disparities in concussion care among students.
• The study addresses the need for standardized, accessible concussion care protocols within educational settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the RISE Bundle (Return to Learn Implementation Bundle for Schools) on the adoption of student-centered RTL programs in high schools.
• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a structured implementation strategy for school-based concussion management.
• To determine if the RISE Bundle reduces perceived inequities in concussion care.

Main Methods:

• A stepped-wedge study design was employed across fourteen Washington State public high schools (rural and urban, varying sizes) during the 2021-2022 academic year.
• Schools implemented the RISE Bundle in 6-week stages, led by designated RTL champions.
• Data were collected through baseline, monthly, and end-of-study measures, assessing concussion knowledge and RTL program impact.

Main Results:

• 71.4% of participating schools successfully implemented the RISE Bundle and established functional RTL programs.
• RTL champions reported increased concussion knowledge post-intervention.
• The implementation of RTL programs led to more tailored accommodations and reduced perceived disparities in concussion care.

Conclusions:

• The RISE Bundle is a feasible and effective strategy for establishing functional, student-centered RTL programs in diverse high school settings.
• Implementation of the RISE Bundle demonstrated a perceived reduction in disparities in concussion care across rural and urban Washington State high schools.
• The findings support the wider adoption of structured programs like the RISE Bundle to enhance school-based concussion management.