Standards for High Quality Post-Concussion Services and Concussion Clinics
The term “concussion clinic” in the standards below refers to the interdisciplinary care that will be required by the minority of patients who experience prolonged symptoms post-concussion. The clinic can exist in one location, or as a formal coordinated network of healthcare providers.
Standard 1
Standard 2
Standard 3
Individuals with concussion should have access to care at the following time points, according to the attached pathway.
Diagnostic assessment:
T1: as soon as it is recognized that the individual has incurred a suspected concussion.
Education, resource information and follow-up:
T1: at diagnosis
T2: at 1-2 weeks when follow-up occurs
T3: | at 3-4 weeks when flagged for further assessment and symptom management follow-up occurs. |
T4: in an ongoing fashion as symptoms are monitored through follow-up.
T5: | upon referral to an interdisciplinary concussion clinic and in an ongoing fashion through involvement with the clinic. |
Therapies and interventions once symptoms are deemed persistent
T5: upon referral to an interdisciplinary concussion clinic
Standard 4
- About concussion and the trajectory of recovery
- Additional resources and information
- Healthcare provider experience
- Services offered
- Types of referrals available
Standard 5
Standard 6
- has had training involving direct patient care/contact and knowledge of traumatic brain injury and its biopsychosocial effects;
- has experience in concussion management with a high volume of patients with concussion annually; practices according to the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines;
- practices within their defined scope of practice and recognizes when to refer to other interdisciplinary providers as patient symptoms require.
Standard 7
Standard 8
A concussion clinic or network of providers should clearly outline for patients whether it is able to provide the full spectrum of care from initial management to longer term management of prolonged symptoms (if required).
Standard 9
- Diagnosis and medical treatment decisions
- Physical treatment
- Cognitive, functional, emotional support
- Coordination of care function
- Education
Standard 10
Standard 11
Standard 12
Standard 13
- respond to individual patient needs
- consist of qualified and experienced interdisciplinary providers including a physician
- have a clear care pathway
- engage in comprehensive follow-up practices
- not unduly inconvenience patients (i.e. having to go to different settings/locales)
- use a model of collaborative, shared care so that each practitioner is aware of the treatment of the others and that there is regular communication regarding progress and treatment plan
Standard 14
Standard 15
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