Citation

Reisner A, Burns TG, Hall LB, Jain S, Weselman BC, De Grauw TJ, Ono KE, Blackwell LS, Chern JJ. J. Pediatr. 2017; 184: 26-31.

Affiliation

Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.01.045

PMID

28233546

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential impact of a concussion management education program on community-practicing pediatricians. STUDY DESIGN: We prospectively surveyed 210 pediatricians before and 18 months after participation in an evidence-based, concussion education program. Pediatricians were part of a network of 38 clinically integrated practices in metro-Atlanta. Participation was mandatory for at least 1 pediatrician in each practice. We assessed pediatricians' self-reported concussion knowledge, use of guidelines, and comfort level, as well as self-reported referral patterns for computed tomography (CT) and/or emergency department (ED) evaluation of children who sustained concussion.

RESULTS: Based on responses from 120 pediatricians participating in the 2 surveys and intervention (response rate, 57.1%), the program had significant positive effects from pre- to postintervention on knowledge of concussions (-0.26 to 0.56 on -3 to +1 scale; P < .001), guideline use (0.73-.06 on 0-6 scale; P < .01), and comfort level in managing concussions (3.76-4.16 on 1-5 scale; P < .01). Posteducation, pediatricians were significantly less likely to self-report referral for CT (1.64-1.07; P < .001) and CT/ED (4.73-3.97; P < .01), but not ED referral alone (3.07-3.09; P = ns).

CONCLUSIONS: Adoption of a multifaceted, evidence-based, education program translated into a positive modification of self-reported practice behavior for youth concussion case management. Given the surging demand for community-based youth concussion care, this program can serve as a model for improving the quality of pediatric concussion management.

Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

community practice; computed tomography; concussion; continuing education; evidence-based guidelines; pediatrician; primary care provider; quality improvement