title: A knock to the system: A new sociotechnical systems approach to sport-related concussion.
abstract: Broader contextual factors that influence concussion management have tended to be overlooked. To address this, the present study used a sociotechnical systems approach to identify perceived responsibilities and applied strategies for three domains of concussion management (i.e., prevention, identification and treatment). Participants were 118 members of the community rugby union system in Australia (69.2% male). Participants from throughout the rugby system (e.g., players, parents, coaches, club management) were asked open-ended questions about their perceived responsibilities and the strategies they use for concussion management. It was found that (a) proper training, technique correction and education were recurrent prevention themes; (b) the majority of key stakeholders felt that they could consistently identify concussion; however, medical aids (medics) were the only system actors who stated a responsibility to use standardised concussion assessment measures and (c) less than one third of the respondents indicated their involvement in treating concussion. This study identifies specific junctures in the system that prevents effective concussion management strategies. A sociotechnical systems approach improves the understanding of concussion prevention, and management beliefs and behaviours.
authors.affiliation: a Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems , Faculty of Arts, Business, and Law, University of the Sunshine Coast , Maroochydore , Queensland , Australia.
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Clacy
authors.affiliation: a Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems , Faculty of Arts, Business, and Law, University of the Sunshine Coast , Maroochydore , Queensland , Australia.
authors.forename: Natassia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Goode
authors.affiliation: b School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Business, and Law , University of the Sunshine Coast , Maroochydore , Queensland , Australia.
authors.forename: Rachael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sharman
authors.affiliation: b School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Business, and Law , University of the Sunshine Coast , Maroochydore , Queensland , Australia.
authors.forename: Geoff P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Lovell
authors.affiliation: a Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems , Faculty of Arts, Business, and Law, University of the Sunshine Coast , Maroochydore , Queensland , Australia.
authors.forename: Paul M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Salmon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D056352:Athletes; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001315:Australia; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005538:Football; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013597:Systems Analysis; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Injury & prevention; decision making; dynamic systems; qualitative analysis; team sports