Concussion Reporting Expectation Screening in the Preparticipation Physical Examination.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Concerns exist regarding National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes playing with concussions and not disclosing symptoms.
• Athlete nondisclosure of concussion symptoms is a significant issue in collegiate sports.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the concussion reporting expectation (CR-E) scale as a screening tool for collegiate athletes.
• To determine if the CR-E scale can identify athletes at high risk for nondisclosure of concussion symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 358 NCAA Division I athletes during preparticipation physical examinations (PPEs).
• Athletes completed the CR-E questionnaire and concussion history questions.
• Completion time for the CR-E was recorded, and providers noted the need for concussion counseling.

Main Results:

• The CR-E tool took an average of 2 minutes to complete during PPEs.
• Two-thirds of athletes completing the CR-E questionnaire could benefit from concussion education.
• Certain sports (water polo, volleyball, women's soccer, gymnastics, football) showed higher rates of counseling and nonreporting histories.

Conclusions:

• The CR-E questionnaire is a feasible and useful screening tool for collegiate athletes.
• A brief screening tool can guide concussion counseling, indicating a need for improved overall concussion education for athletes.