Management of sport-related concussion in emergency departments in England: a multi-center study

Objective: To establish the current knowledge of sport-related concussion (SRC) management clinicians in emergency departments North West England. Methods: A cross-sectional, multi-centre study design was used and included department (EDCs) across 15 centres 22-question survey issued with questions focused on 5th International Conference Concussion Consensus Statement. Absolute percentages were presented, comparisons guidelines confidence between EDCs assessed using Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Of an estimated 300 EDCs, 111 (37%) responded. Thirty (27%) aware guidelines, whilst 63 (57%) had heard a graduated return-to-sport protocol. Physical rest advised by 106 (95%) respondents, 68 (61%) advising cognitive 47 (42%) providing written advice. There no difference (p > 0.05) awareness SRC or clinician grade, most receiving training. Conclusions: is lack amongst England managing discharge advice to patients SRC. This likely due limited training, therefore further education delivery required.