PW 1831 Addressing physician uncertainty and standardizing concussion recognition and management: the new online concussion awareness and training tool (CATT)

Context The Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT) is a series of online educational modules and resources with the goal of standardizing concussion recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and management. Based upon the established principles of the Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport and other evidence-based resources, this tool includes a new self-paced learning module for medical professionals to address current gaps and variations in practice for the initial assessment and management of acute concussion patients in the office setting. CATT for medical professionals originally launched in 2013, focusing on the recognition and diagnosis of concussion. Evaluation found physicians demonstrated significant positive change in concussion practices (p=0.001), and significant change in knowledge by those treating more than 10 concussions per year (p=0.039). Objective To support physicians and other medical professionals in treating and managing concussion. Key messages The new e-learning course covers medical assessment for concussion, concussion management, addressing persistent symptoms, and providing medical clearance following recovery. The course is available in both English and French. Beyond medical professionals, CATT also caters to coaches, players/participants, parents and school professionals. Resources for workers and workplaces are currently being developed. To date, over 100 relationships have been developed with organizations and key stakeholders in British Columbia and beyond,>15 000 print resources have been distributed,>30 000 coaches and parents and >3000 school professionals have completed CATT, and >15 sporting organizations and schools have mandated CATT training. Discussion and conclusions Concussion is an under-recognized, -diagnosed and -treated medical condition, requiring both physical and mental rest. The CATT addresses this gap by increasing knowledge and awareness among appropriate specific audiences (www.cattonline.com). Good concussion management can reduce related health problems and the risk of long-term brain damage, potentially lowering total health care costs among those who are injured.