Focusing on Accessibility and Non-Sport Concussions
As the digital age continues to advance, technology plays an increasingly crucial role in supporting individuals recovering from concussions.
However, despite the growth of online health resources, there remains a gap in addressing how those with concussions can best access and use these tools. Individuals recovering from concussions are recommended to limit screen time, so alternative solutions to online resources are needed.
A recent research study (Beaton et al., 2021) explored this issue, focusing on how digital health technologies could be adapted to better serve adults recovering from non-sport concussions.
Background on the Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT)
The Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT) was developed by concussion experts in British Columbia, Canada to offer free online education and resources for not only healthcare professionals, but also parents, athletes, coaches, and school professionals.
Upon its success, many adaptations to the CATT have been made for various groups affected by concussion. One of those groups was adult workers. Therefore, the CATT for Workers and Workplaces was developed and released in 2019 for workers, their families, and employers.
The Research Study on the CATT for Workers and Workplaces
Researchers from the British Columbia Injury Research and Prevention Unit set out to understand the barriers and facilitators that impact how individuals recovering from concussions access online health information, like the CATT for Workers and Workplaces. The ultimate goal of their research is to create a product that will meet the needs of end-users and increase concussion knowledge and awareness.
In doing so, they conducted the present study. This involved interviews and focus groups with 47 participants, including workers recovering from concussions, as well as healthcare professionals. They identified 20 key recommendations to enhance the accessibility of digital health resources for working adults.
Recommendations to Address Physical Symptoms
One of the main challenges for individuals recovering from concussions is that exposure to electronic screens can exacerbate symptoms like headaches, nausea, and light sensitivity. To mitigate this, many participants recommended the following options:
- Auditory options. This would allow users to listen to important resources without the need to strain their eyes and brains by staring at and engaging with a screen.
- Simplified website navigation and reduced visual stimulation. An example of this would be using more subdued colors and limiting the amount of information presented on each webpage.
- Enlarged text size and customizable color filters. This could be for those who continue to experience visual disturbances, such as blurry vision or difficulty focusing.
Recommendations for Cognitive Symptoms
Cognitive impairments like memory issues and difficulty concentrating are common after a concussion. To help users retain and process information, the study participants suggested the following:
- Use of simple, easy-to-understand language and educational videos. These videos could help break down complex information into manageable segments, keeping the viewer engaged without overwhelming them.
- Prompts for microbreaks during website navigation to remind users to rest and avoid cognitive fatigue.
Recommendations for Emotion Symptoms
Interestingly, many participants were also surprised by the emotional toll that concussions took on their mental health, including feelings of anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
The study suggested that sharing personal stories of recovery on digital platforms could help normalize these experiences and reduce feelings of isolation. Additionally, for individuals in rural areas, telehealth services were recommended to provide necessary mental health support during the recovery process.
Increasing Concussion Education and Awareness
Finally, to promote broader awareness and education on concussion recovery, participants recommended several strategies to improve access. These included making print resources available to healthcare providers and workplaces, especially for industries where concussion reporting may be stigmatized. They also suggested making it easier for users to share information with colleagues or family members through email or mobile apps, ensuring that relevant resources reach as many people as possible.
Takeaways
This study underscores the importance of making digital health information both accessible and tailored to the unique needs of individuals recovering from concussions. Ultimately, adapting these technologies will ensure that more individuals can access the right information at the right time, promoting safer recoveries and better outcomes.
For organizations looking to improve the implementation of their concussion management protocols, HEADCHECK Health offers a complete toolbox that decreases risk. Contact us today!
References
Beaton MD, Hadly G, Babul S. Stakeholder Recommendations to Increase the Accessibility of Online Health Information for Adults Experiencing Concussion Symptoms. Front Public Health. 2021 Jan 11;8:557814. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.557814. PMID: 33505948; PMCID: PMC7829503
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- Concussion Concerns in Youth Sports: What Parents Need to Know - January 23, 2025
- Concussion Care and Management: The Evolution of Technology - October 29, 2024
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