CONNECTing Concussion Care with Research Across Ontario

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Health Informatics
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Common data elements (CDEs) for concussion are crucial for standardizing care and enabling large-scale research.
• Current practices in Ontario show limited adoption of established international CDEs, causing significant data variability across clinics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish and implement CDEs for concussion care and research within Ontario.
• To address the variability in concussion data collection and assessment.

Main Methods:

• Formation of a collaborative network (Concussion Ontario Network: Neuroinformatics to Enhance Clinical care and Translation - CONNECT).
• Inclusion of diverse stakeholders: healthcare professionals, researchers, advocacy groups, and patients.
• Focus on establishing and implementing CDEs for concussion.

Main Results:

• Initial steps taken and early effectiveness demonstrated by the CONNECT initiative.
• Laying the groundwork for standardized concussion data collection and sharing.

Conclusions:

• The CONNECT initiative has begun to address the lack of CDE adoption in Ontario.
• Future challenges remain in the widespread implementation and long-term success of CDEs for concussion care and research.