Event Title
Pediatric concussion management
Research Mentor(s)
Espina, Christine
Description
Background: Currently there are no national standardized guidelines for children to return to school after a concussion. This presents a problem as some children have prolonged absences from school while others return to school quickly but suffer prolonged concussion symptoms. Purpose: In partnership with NWESD school nurse corps, the purpose of this literature review is to make recommendations for best practice. Methods: A literature search was completed in the CINAHL, MEDLINE, and ERIC databases. Six articles were reviewed, and findings synthesized. Synthesis of literature: Evidence shows there is a need for immediate cognitive and physical rest post-concussion. After an initial 24-48 hours, the child benefits by returning to school and participating in light activities. The amount of class time and type of activities the child engages in are determined by the child’s symptoms. A return to learn protocol is necessary to provide consistent information and assist the child to successfully return to the classroom. An interdisciplinary team approach and collaboration is vital for improving post-concussion outcomes. Implications: Positive implications for the student include reduced prolonged absences from school post-concussion, linear progression of activities, and limiting prolonged post-concussion symptoms. Negative implications include financial costs of creating an RTL protocol and funding for continued training and education for the interdisciplinary team. Keywords: concussion, brain concussion, children, return to learn, return to school
Document Type
Event
Start Date
May 2020
End Date
May 2020
Department
Nursing - RN to BSN
Genre/Form
student projects, posters
Type
Image
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Pediatric concussion management
Background: Currently there are no national standardized guidelines for children to return to school after a concussion. This presents a problem as some children have prolonged absences from school while others return to school quickly but suffer prolonged concussion symptoms. Purpose: In partnership with NWESD school nurse corps, the purpose of this literature review is to make recommendations for best practice. Methods: A literature search was completed in the CINAHL, MEDLINE, and ERIC databases. Six articles were reviewed, and findings synthesized. Synthesis of literature: Evidence shows there is a need for immediate cognitive and physical rest post-concussion. After an initial 24-48 hours, the child benefits by returning to school and participating in light activities. The amount of class time and type of activities the child engages in are determined by the child’s symptoms. A return to learn protocol is necessary to provide consistent information and assist the child to successfully return to the classroom. An interdisciplinary team approach and collaboration is vital for improving post-concussion outcomes. Implications: Positive implications for the student include reduced prolonged absences from school post-concussion, linear progression of activities, and limiting prolonged post-concussion symptoms. Negative implications include financial costs of creating an RTL protocol and funding for continued training and education for the interdisciplinary team. Keywords: concussion, brain concussion, children, return to learn, return to school