Introduction: The Importance of Standardized Concussion Data
Sport-related concussions (SRCs) are a significant concern in collegiate athletics, given their frequency and potential long-term effects on athletes' health. Recent research highlights the need for standardized data collection methods to improve the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of SRCs. This blog explores the findings from a study on common data elements (CDEs) used by universities in concussion research and how these can be applied to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Understanding Common Data Elements (CDEs)
The study conducted by Yang et al. (2018) focused on the data collection practices of Big Ten and Ivy League universities. It compared these practices with the core CDEs recommended by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The research found significant similarities in data collection at baseline and acutely post-concussion across participating universities, yet highlighted gaps in sub-acute and chronic data collection.
Key Findings and Implications
- All participating universities collected concussion data at various stages: before, during, and after a concussion.
- There was a high consistency in acute data collection, aligning with NINDS recommendations.
- Only 47% of universities collected data on long-term outcomes post-concussion.
- Data storage practices varied, with over 60% of universities using electronic formats, but only a fraction of this data was readily available for research.
These findings suggest a need for improved data collection and sharing protocols to facilitate evidence-based concussion prevention and treatment strategies.
Recommendations for Practitioners
Practitioners can enhance their skills and improve outcomes by adopting the following strategies:
- Standardize Data Collection: Implement CDEs in your practice to ensure consistency and comparability of data across studies.
- Focus on Long-term Outcomes: Extend data collection beyond the acute phase to include sub-acute and chronic timeframes, capturing long-term effects on athletes.
- Enhance Data Accessibility: Work towards creating protocols that make collected data readily available for research, fostering collaborative efforts and data sharing.
- Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest research and guidelines to refine your approach to concussion management.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Standardizing concussion data collection is crucial for advancing our understanding and management of SRCs. By adopting CDEs and focusing on comprehensive data collection, practitioners can contribute to better outcomes for collegiate athletes. For those interested in furthering their research, the full study provides valuable insights and recommendations.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Common data elements collected among universities for sport-related concussion studies.
