Healthcare Provider Perspectives on Pediatric Concussion: The Importance of Formalized Systems of Communication Across Settings

TL;DR

The study explores how healthcare providers and schools can better communicate to support children recovering from concussions.

Contribution

The study identifies the need for formalized communication systems between healthcare providers and schools for children with concussions.

Findings

Breakdowns in communication between healthcare and education systems occur without formalized systems.

Formalized systems of care improve outcomes for children with mild traumatic brain injuries.

Having a clear point person in schools helps streamline communication and care.

Abstract

Healthcare providers play a critical role in the return to school (RTS) process after a child sustains a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The purpose of this study was to examine healthcare providers' perspectives on effective communication with school personnel and gaps within those practices, using a qualitative approach.

Twelve community‐based healthcare providers in suburban Oregon and Ohio completed semi‐structured interviews between February 2021 and July 2021 via Zoom. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Primary themes centered on how breakdowns in communication between healthcare and education systems occur easily without formalized systems, and how formalized systems of care are beneficial.

Children with mTBI benefit when there is (1) a consistent communication system between school‐based staff, caregivers, and healthcare providers and (2) a clear point person in the school system.

Schools should create intentional and formalized communication pathways with healthcare providers as an effective approach to meeting the needs of students and their families.