title: A Balanced Protocol for Return to School for Children and Youth Following Concussive Injury.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Few protocols exist for returning children/youth to school after concussion. Childhood concussion can significantly affect school performance, which is vital to social development, academic learning, and preparation for future roles. The goal of this knowledge translation research was to develop evidence based materials to inform physicians about pediatric concussion.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Return to School (RTS) concussion protocol was developed following the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence procedures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Based on a scoping review, and stakeholder opinions, an RTS protocol was developed for children/youth. This unique protocol focuses on school adaptation in 4 main areas: (a) timetable/attendance, (b) curriculum, (c) environmental modifications, and (d) activity modifications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A balance of cognitive rest and timely return to school need to be considered for returning any student to school after a concussion. Implementation of these new recommendations may be an important tool in prevention of prolonged absence from school and academic failure while supporting brain recovery.
authors.affiliation: McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada dematteo@mcmaster.ca.
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: DeMatteo
authors.affiliation: McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Stazyk
authors.affiliation: McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Lucy
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Giglia
authors.affiliation: McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Mahoney
authors.affiliation: McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Sheila K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hollenberg
authors.affiliation: McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Jessica A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Harper
authors.affiliation: McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Missiuna
authors.affiliation: McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Law
authors.affiliation: McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Dayle
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McCauley
authors.affiliation: McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Randall
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012146:Rest; D012574:Schools; D013334:Students
keywords: anxiety; child; concussion; depression; mild traumatic brain injury; postconcussion syndrome; return to learn; return to school