Engaging with Stakeholders to Identify Shared Priorities for Sports Related Concussion Research

Research Objectives: To describe engagement with stakeholders (n=37), including children and young adults, to identify common issues surrounding sport related concussion (SRC) screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Design: Narrative Review

Setting: Community

Participants: Stakeholders were divided into two groups: Patients-Parents-Coaches (middle, high school, college athletes, parents, coaches) and Professionals (athletic trainers, school administrators, medical professionals, policymakers).

Interventions: Patient centered outcomes research (PCOR) engagement principles (reciprocal relationships, co-learning, partnerships, and trust, transparency, and honesty) were used as a framework for engagement. Strategies include 1) virtual monthly stakeholder meetings, 2) follow-up survey to evaluate teaching methods, satisfaction with engagement, and opportunities for improvement, and 3) dissemination of meeting materials post-meeting.

Main Outcome Measures: Attendance and stakeholder feedback

Results: On average, attendance was 69% and engagement survey completion was 70%. Stakeholders indicated the virtual meeting platform was convenient and they felt important and part of a process to help others. Common SRC issues included the need for validated sideline assessments, increased awareness of specialized SRC care, and how to best inform and educate patients to promote autonomy over their treatment plan. Middle and high school athletes indicated their primary goal was to return to sport as soon as possible after SRC, while parents expressed concern about possible short- and long-term effects and the benefits and risks of continued sport participation after SRC recovery.

Conclusions: Although ongoing, this project has convened an engaged group of stakeholders in meaningful discussion on issues related to SRC screening, diagnosis, and treatment. By partnering with stakeholders, we will identify shared PCOR priorities for SRC research.

Author(s) Disclosures: This abstract was funded through a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award EACB 24236.