title: Evaluation of Implementation of Massachusetts Sports Concussion Regulations: Results of Focus Groups With School Nurses and Athletic Trainers.
abstract: In 2015, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health conducted focus groups with school nurses (SNs) and athletic trainers (ATs) from Massachusetts middle and high schools to assess implementation of legislated regulations relative to the management of students' head injuries incurred during extracurricular sports. Four tape-recorded focus groups were conducted by experienced facilitators. Lists of themes were synthesized by investigators for each focus group. Participating SNs and ATs supported the sports concussion legislation, felt that implementation had gone well, indicated that the law empowered them in managing return-to-school/play for students with concussion, and experienced support from their school administrators. Some SNs reported that they had applied relevant procedures to all students with head injuries, regardless of how or where the injury occurred. Challenges identified included protocols for away games, inconsistent concussion care by physicians, and a need for teacher education. Further research is required to quantify these findings.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.|2 Boston Medical Center Injury Prevention Center, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Howland
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.|2 Boston Medical Center Injury Prevention Center, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Holly
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hackman
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.|2 Boston Medical Center Injury Prevention Center, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Alyssa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: 3 Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.affiliation: 3 Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Mary Ann
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Gapinski
authors.affiliation: 3 Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Julie Kautz
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Mills
authors.affiliation: 4 Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Thornton
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007878:Legislation as Topic; D008297:Male; D008404:Massachusetts; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D024382:Professional Role; D012574:Schools / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D013334:Students / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence
keywords: athletes; athletic trainers; concussion; focus groups; regulations; school nurses; students