Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Project

College/School

College of Nursing

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Project Mentor

Dr. Elizabeth Gallagher

Readers

Kate McCusker

Comments

Background: Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) are common accidents that occur in everyday activities and are especially common in sports. Athletes who return to play (RTP) prematurely are at risk for repeat injuries. To combat this public health crisis, the CDC has an active campaign known as “HEADS UP” to educate athletes, parents, coaches, and school professionals, on recognizing, responding to, and minimizing the risks of concussions/brain injuries. The campaign has released specific guidelines for healthcare providers on how to manage return to play safely.

Problem: Are healthcare workers aware of the CDC’s HEADS UP resources and are they utilizing the guidelines when treating patients with a mTBI? If healthcare workers are aware and are utilizing the guidelines, how comfortable and confident are they in managing RTP following a mTBI?

Methods: This project utilizes a pre and post survey to assess the confidence and knowledge of Doctor of Nursing practice (DNP) students regarding RTP after a mTBI.

Interventions: A case-based intervention using the CDC’s recommended guidelines was provided following the pre survey. The case-based intervention included two scenarios with varying degrees of mTBI complications.

Results: Findings show both an increase in knowledge and confidence in mTBI RTP management following the case-based intervention.

Conclusion: The case-based training was effective and can be utilized as an alternative teaching method for healthcare professionals. Participants benefitted by either increasing their knowledge or reinforcing their current understanding of mTBI RTP.

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