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Developing and Piloting a School‐Based Online Adolescent Student‐Athlete Concussion Surveillance System
Author(s) -
Shendell Derek G.,
Gonzalez Lauren,
Listwan Tracy A.,
Pancella Joseph,
Blackborow Mary,
Boyd Joanna
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/josh.12775
Subject(s) - concussion , medicine , suicide prevention , injury prevention , poison control , occupational safety and health , human factors and ergonomics , sports medicine , vocational education , public health , certification , medical education , physical therapy , psychology , medical emergency , nursing , pedagogy , pathology , political science , law
BACKGROUND Despite increased awareness of concussions, epidemiologic surveillance efforts have been scarce, especially among adolescents. This project, which was developed with school stakeholders (certified athletic trainers [ATCs], nurses, athletic directors), piloted a public secondary school‐based online surveillance tool for interscholastic and intramural sports and physical education‐related concussions in New Jersey during 2014‐2017 school years (SY). METHODS Participating public high schools (5 within 4 districts) and career‐technical‐vocational education districts (2 with 5 campuses) completed forms anonymously online via PsychData within 5 days. RESULTS There were 208 concussions reported, 115 in 2015‐2016 SY and 93 in 2016‐2017 SY. In fall 2015, 86 concussions were reported, including 16 from summer preseason. In fall 2016, 56 concussions were reported; 3 occurred during preseason. There were 7 concussions reported in winter 2016 and 16 in winter 2017. Twenty‐two concussions were reported in spring of both 2016 and 2017. Most online forms were completed in <10 minutes, usually using either desktop computers or tablets/iPads. School nurses followed by ATCs were primary sources of data entered online, usually by ATCs. CONCLUSIONS Cooperation of nurses and ATCs at participating schools suggested online surveillance was valued and viable. Data inform future concussion prevention education and ongoing injury surveillance.