Quality Improvement in Concussion Care: Influence of Guideline-Based Education

• Published in: The Journal of pediatrics 2017-05, Vol.184, p.26-31
• Main Authors: Reisner, Andrew, MD, Burns, Thomas G., PsyD, Hall, Larry B., MBA, Jain, Shabnam, MD, Weselman, Brad C., MD, De Grauw, Ton J., MD, Ono, Kim E., PhD, Blackwell, Laura S., PhD, Chern, Joshua J., MD, PhD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Brain Concussion - therapy; Child; community practice; computed tomography; concussion; continuing education; evidence-based guidelines; Humans; Middle Aged; pediatrician; Pediatrics; Pediatrics - education; Practice Guidelines as Topic; primary care provider; Prospective Studies; Quality Improvement; Self Report
• ISSN: 0022-3476; 1097-6833
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.01.045

Objective To evaluate the potential impact of a concussion management education program on community-practicing pediatricians. Study design We prospectively surveyed 210 pediatricians before and 18 months after participation in an evidence-based, concussion education program. Pediatricians were part of a network of 38 clinically integrated practices in metro-Atlanta. Participation was mandatory for at least 1 pediatrician in each practice. We assessed pediatricians' self-reported concussion knowledge, use of guidelines, and comfort level, as well as self-reported referral patterns for computed tomography (CT) and/or emergency department (ED) evaluation of children who sustained concussion. Results Based on responses from 120 pediatricians participating in the 2 surveys and intervention (response rate, 57.1%), the program had significant positive effects from pre- to postintervention on knowledge of concussions (−0.26 to 0.56 on −3 to +1 scale; P