The Buddy Program: High school students inform the design of a school-based peer support program for concussion

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Adolescent Health
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Limited guidance exists for supporting adolescents' return to school after a concussion.
• Peer support is a potential strategy to aid school reintegration post-concussion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore high school students' preferences for a school-based peer support program following a concussion.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative instrumental case study was conducted in a Canadian high school.
• Seven semi-structured focus groups involved 53 adolescents (aged 15-18) with concussion history or interest in peer support.
• Content analysis was used to analyze focus group transcriptions.

Main Results:

• Adolescents favored a one-on-one 'Buddy Program' for concussion peer support.
• Preferred program components include a trusting, confidential relationship, social support, academic accommodation advocacy, tutoring, and concussion education.
• Students emphasized the importance of confidentiality and trust in peer support.

Conclusions:

• A one-on-one Buddy Program is a preferred model for school-based concussion peer support.
• Future implementation should involve piloting the Buddy Program in high schools.
• Peer support can be a valuable resource for students navigating return to school post-concussion.