An Exploration of Concussion Assessment and Management Knowledge in Athletic Therapy Students

Abstract

Recent research has found substantial gaps in knowledge surrounding concussion assessment and management in various groups of Canadian healthcare professionals, including medical students, physiotherapists, chiropractic students, and family medicine physicians. The purpose of this project was to explore concussion knowledge in a sample of athletic therapy students and to use these findings to make practical pedagogical recommendations to improve concussion education. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach (initial questionnaire, student interviews, clinical educator interviews) was used to investigate the research question. The findings showed a large gap between theoretical knowledge and practical abilities to assess and manage concussions. Additionally, students felt less prepared to assist throughout the entire continuum of concussion care (from initial recognition to return-to-play). Based on these findings, educators should consider innovative pedagogical strategies that focus on true competence development in concussion assessment and management while bridging the gap between foundational theory and practical application/skill development.

Keywords

• concussion education
• competence development
• athletic therapy pedagogy
• health professional education