Surveying Argentine healthcare providers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice about diagnosis and management of sports-related concussions

Abstract

Background: A better understanding of the healthcare provider's knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) level would help athletes, trainers, and athletic administrators, implement more effective concussion-management recommendations and guidelines. This survey aims to understand healthcare provider's KAP dimensions regarding the diagnosis and management of sports-related concussions. Methods: Cross-sectional study. An online-based KAP survey was carried out on a convenience sample of healthcare providers, coaches, parents, and athletes (n=626) in partnership with sports concussion clinics, rugby union, and rugby league in Argentina. The questionnaire incorporated 25 questions. Descriptive analysis was estimated as means, SD, and proportion. Chi-square tests, two-sample t-tests, and regression analysis were utilized for the response analysis. Results: Seventy-four percent of the respondents reported having concussion training. Respondents correctly answered on average 6.23, SD 2.16 (out of 10) knowledge questions. The largest gaps were related to the clinical interpretation of symptom severity and neuroimaging. The smallest gaps were identified in young athletes' management. There was a significant difference in mean survey respondent's knowledge scores [F (1,622) =109.479, p<0.001] between those who had received formal concussion training and those who had not. Conclusions: This study reveals that healthcare providers have appropriate knowledge and attitude regarding sport-related concussions but there are important knowledge gaps and practices that are often wanting. Our findings confirm the need for training and education on sport-related concussions. It would be advisable to implement educational campaigns specifically focused on the diagnosis and management of sports concussions, to raise awareness about this topic in schools, leagues, and sports associations.