Engaging With Stakeholders To Identify Determinants Of Screening For Sport Related Concussion

Due to the complexity of sport related concussion (SRC), it is essential to partner with stakeholders to identify determinants of SRC screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Importantly, there is a lack of engagement with children and young adults with SRC lived experience as partners in SRC research. PURPOSE: To engage a diverse group of stakeholders, including children and young adults, to identify determinants of screening for SRC. METHODS: Stakeholders (n = 37) participated in monthly, one-hour virtual meetings. Stakeholders were divided into two groups: Patient-Parent-Coach (middle, high school, college athletes, parents, coaches) and Professionals (athletic trainers, school administrators, medical professionals, policymakers). Patient centered outcomes research (PCOR) engagement principles (reciprocal relationships, co-learning, partnerships, and trust, transparency, and honesty) were used as a framework for engagement. Meetings consisted of education on PCOR principals and discussion for stakeholders to provide their perspectives on determinants of SRC screening. RESULTS: Patient-Parent-Coach stakeholders identified lack of educational materials for parents, factors that may influence performance on screening tools (e.g., adrenaline), and delayed signs and symptoms of SRC as determinants of screening. Professional stakeholders identified lack of access to athletic trainers and specialty care, developmentally appropriate screening tools, and state laws that do not cover club athletes as determinants of screening. Common determinants identified by both groups were the time it takes to screen for SRC, age to begin SRC education, lack of knowledge on where to go for SRC screening, and individual factors that influence SRC disclosure (e.g., athlete honesty). CONCLUSIONS: This project has engaged a diverse group of stakeholders in meaningful discussion on issues related to screening for SRC. By partnering with stakeholders, especially children and young adults with SRC lived experience, to identify determinants of SRC screening we will be able to develop approaches that are meaningful to stakeholders to improve SRC safety in youth athletics. This abstract was funded through a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research institute (PCORI) Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award EACB 24236.