Brain Injury, 2025/08, 39(S1):S10–S11. doi: 10.1080/02699052.2025.2507554, type of study: ,ppt,

Full text    (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02699052.2025.2507554)

Keywords:

concussion [38]
knowledge [67]
medical students [693]
osteopathic medicine [2108]
pretest posttest design [241]
recovery [20]
training module [1]
USA [1751]

Abstract:

Purpose: In order to optimize recovery from concussion, promote return to activity, and prevent medical complications, best practice guidelines have been developed and implemented that emphasize a gradual return to activity (Patricios et al., 2023). Despite the importance of best practice guidelines, literature suggests that physicians may have difficulty translating best practice guidelines into clinical practice (Arbogast et al., 2013) and may not consistently communicate best practice return to activity guidelines to patients and families (Seabury et al., 2018; Weerdenburg et al., 2016). Education regarding return to activity following concussion that is developed from the perspective of an occupational therapist has the potential to offer a unique perspective that might not traditionally be included in medical school curricula. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of an education training module on medical students' knowledge and perspectives of concussion best practices for return to activity and the role of occupational therapy. Methods: Medical students at a private Osteopathic Medicine School participated in an educational training seminar on best practices for return to activity following concussion and the role of occupational therapy. A pre and posttest with open and closed ended questions were used to evaluate the effects of the training program. A paired t test to determine if there was a statistically significant difference on the Concussion Knowledge assessment following the educational seminar. Results: There was a significant difference in the scores for pre- knowledge assessment score (M = 8.13, SD = 1.76) and post- knowledge assessment total score (M = 10.68, SD =1.9); t(55) = -8.5, p = <.001. Medical students demonstrated improved scores on post-test knowledge assessment of concussion and best practices related to return to activity and reported that they were more aware of the importance of gradual activity, aerobic exercise, and interdisciplinary collaboration, including referral to occupational therapy. Conclusion: The results indicate that an educational training on concussion, gradual return to activity, and the role of occupational therapy may improve medical students' knowledge of best practices for management of concussion.