From consensus to action: knowledge transfer, education and influencing policy on sports concussion.
OBJECTIVE
To: (1) provide a review of knowledge transfer (KT) and related concepts; (2) look at the impact of traditional and emerging KT strategies on concussion knowledge and education; (3) discuss the value and impact of KT to organisations and concussion-related decision making and (4) make recommendations for the future of concussion education.


METHODS
Qualitative literature review of KT and concussion education literature.


METHODS
PubMed, Medline and Sport Discus databases were reviewed and an internet search was conducted. The literature search was restricted to articles published in the English language, but not restricted to any particular years. Altogether, 67 journal articles, 21 websites, 1 book and 1 report were reviewed.


RESULTS
The value of KT as part of concussion education is increasingly becoming recognised. Target audiences benefit from specific learning strategies. Concussion tools exist, but their effectiveness and impact require further evaluation. The media is valuable in drawing attention to concussion, but efforts need to ensure that the public is aware of the right information. Social media as a concussion education tool is becoming more prominent. Implementation of KT models is one approach which organisations can use to assess knowledge gaps; identify, develop and evaluate education strategies and use the outcomes to facilitate decision-making.


CONCLUSIONS
Implementing KT strategies requires a defined plan. Identifying the needs, learning styles and preferred learning strategies of target audiences, coupled with evaluation, should be a piece of the overall concussion education puzzle to have an impact on enhancing knowledge and awareness.
Parachute (Formerly Safe Communities Canada, Safe Kids Canada, SMARTRISK, and ThinkFirst Canada), Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Christine
C
Provvidenza
Lars
L
Engebretsen
Charles
C
Tator
Jamie
J
Kissick
Paul
P
McCrory
Allen
A
Sills
Karen M
KM
Johnston
D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D032921:Consensus; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D061108:Social Media; D013178:Sports Medicine / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D014741:Video Recording