Concussion knowledge and management practices among coaches and medical staff in Irish professional rugby teams.
BACKGROUND
Self-reported concussion rates among U-20 and elite rugby union players in Ireland are 45-48%. Half of these injuries go unreported. Accurate knowledge of concussion signs and symptoms and appropriate management practices among coaches and medical staff is important to improve the welfare of players.


OBJECTIVE
Examine concussion knowledge among coaches, and management techniques among medical staff of professional Irish rugby teams.


METHODS
Surveys were administered to 11 coaches and 12 medical staff at the end of the 2010-2011 season.


RESULTS
Coaches demonstrated an accurate knowledge of concussion with a good understanding of concussion-related symptoms. Medical staff reported using a variety of methods for assessing concussion and making return-to-play decisions. Reliance on subjective clinical methods was evident, with less reliance on objective postural stability performance.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the coaches in this investigation have accurate knowledge of concussion and medical staff use effective techniques for managing this injury. On-going education is needed to assist coaches in identifying concussion signs and symptoms. It is recommended that medical staff increase their reliance on objective methods for assessment and return-to-play decision making.
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western Washington University, 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA, 98225-9171, USA, Michael.fraas@wwu.edu.
M R
MR
Fraas
G F
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Coughlan
E C
EC
Hart
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McCarthy
D000328:Adult; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D005538:Football / Q000293:injuries*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008503:Medical Staff; D062707:Return to Work