Physiotherapists’ use of information in identifying a sports concussion: An extended Delphi approach

S John Sullivan ^1*, Anthony G Schneiders ¹, Paul McCrory ² and Andrew R Gray ¹

¹ University of Otago, New Zealand
² University of Melbourne, Australia

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: sjohn.sullivan{at}otago.ac.nz.

Accepted 20 October 2007

Abstract

Objective: To determine the relative importance of signs and symptoms that a selected cohort of sports physiotherapists use to identify a sports concussion. Methods: A two round Delphi methodology was used to achieve consensus in a cohort of 21 sports’ physiotherapists. A subsequent round involving an educational intervention provided the participants with an opportunity to modify their knowledge base through the provision of a relevant resource article. Results: Participants provided 123 responses which were grouped into 8 descriptive categories with consensus (> 80%) being reached for the importance of; cognition/orientation, memory, motor dysfunction, and state of consciousness. The category "state of consciousness" remained the most important information source at the completion of the study. Conclusion: Participants placed considerable importance on the player’s level of consciousness in their decision making. This would appear to be in conflict with recent trends to place greater importance on the role of symptoms in identifying a concussion.

Key Words: Delphi, concussion, education, physiotherapy, sign and symptoms

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