Concussion in school-aged children: evaluating the effectiveness of an online concussion training program

Date of Award

2017

Degree Name

Ed.S. in School Psychology

Department

School of Education and Health Sciences

Advisor/Chair

Advisor: Susan Davies

Abstract

This study utilized a mixed-methods design to evaluate the effectiveness of online concussion training programs at increasing school professionals' concussion awareness, knowledge and confidence in concussion identification and response and their ability to apply skills in relation to concussion recognition and response. Participants (n = 30) in the Teacher Training and (n=11) in the Team Training completed the training online and had access to the training manual and resources online. Prior and gained knowledge were measured through pre- and post- tests. Results indicated that both the Teacher and Team online trainings yielded significant results in increasing confidence in concussion identification and response, as well as knowledge and awareness of concussion. The Teacher Training also indicated significant results in relation to increased skills application. Additionally, a content analysis of pre- to post- test responses on qualitative questions showed an increase in word count, depth in response, and use of training terminology in response to skills application questions on the Teacher Training, and participant role in concussion response teams on the Team Training. Limitations and implications for future use of online concussion training programs for teachers and other school staff are discussed.

Keywords

Brain Concussion Case studies, Brain damage Study and teaching Case studies, Web-based instruction Case studies, Teachers Training of Case studies, School employees Training of Case studies, Early Childhood Education, Education, Educational Psychology, Educational Evaluation, Health Sciences, Health Education, Public Health Education, Teacher Education, Concussion, Return to Learn, Online Training, Concussion Team Model, Teacher Training

Rights Statement

Copyright © 2017, author

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