RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Concussion management by primary care providers
JF British Journal of Sports Medicine
JO Br J Sports Med
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine
SP e2
OP e2
DO 10.1136/bjsm.2005.019067
VO 40
IS 1
A1 M D Pleacher
A1 W W Dexter
YR 2006
UL http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/40/1/e2.abstract
AB Objective: To assess current concussion management practices of primary care providers. Methods: An 11 item questionnaire was mailed to primary care providers in the state of Maine, with serial mailings to non-respondents. Results: Over 50% of the questionnaires were completed, with nearly 70% of primary care providers indicating that they routinely use published guidelines as a tool in managing patients with concussion. Nearly two thirds of providers were aware that neuropsychological tests could be used, but only 16% had access to such tests within a week of injury. Conclusions: Primary care providers are using published concussion management guidelines with high frequency, but many are unable to access neuropsychological testing when it is required.