Concussions remain a significant concern in sports medicine, particularly among collegiate athletes. The research article "Coach, sports medicine, and parent influence on concussion care seeking intentions and behaviors in collegiate student-athletes" sheds light on how different stakeholders can impact an athlete's decision to seek care following a concussion. This blog explores the key findings of the study and offers practical advice for practitioners looking to improve their skills and outcomes in concussion management.
The Importance of Stakeholder Influence
The study highlights that coaches, sports medicine professionals (SMPs), and parents play crucial roles in influencing whether student-athletes seek care for concussions. SMPs were found to have significantly better knowledge and scenario responses compared to coaches and parents. However, both coaches and SMPs hold considerable sway over athletes' intentions to report concussions.
Key Findings:
- SMP Knowledge: SMPs exhibited superior knowledge about concussions, which positively influenced athletes' care-seeking behaviors.
- Coach Scenario Responses: Coaches who strongly agreed with favorable concussion scenario responses were linked to better care-seeking intentions among athletes.
- Lack of Parent Influence: Interestingly, parent responses did not significantly impact their child's concussion care-seeking intentions or behaviors.
Practical Steps for Practitioners
The research suggests several actionable steps practitioners can take to enhance concussion care seeking among collegiate athletes:
- Enhance Education: Focus on bridging the knowledge gap between SMPs and other stakeholders. Implement comprehensive educational programs that include coaches and parents.
- Cultivate Positive Attitudes: Encourage coaches to actively endorse concussion reporting. Their visible support can significantly impact athletes' willingness to report symptoms.
- Create Collaborative Environments: Foster collaboration between SMPs, coaches, and parents to create a unified message about the importance of concussion care seeking.
- Misperception Correction: Address any misperceptions athletes may have about stakeholder attitudes towards concussion reporting through targeted educational sessions.
The Way Forward
The study underscores the need for a multi-stakeholder approach in concussion education and management. While SMPs are currently at the forefront of disseminating concussion education, involving coaches and parents could enhance the effectiveness of these efforts. By addressing attitudes and scenario responses alongside knowledge, practitioners can create an environment where athletes feel supported in seeking necessary care.
If you're interested in delving deeper into this research, Coach, sports medicine, and parent influence on concussion care seeking intentions and behaviors in collegiate student-athletes.
