Assessing the Need for Support in Post-Concussion Patients and Their Families

Authors

  • Kheya McGill University of British Columbia
  • Dr. Shazya Karmali BC Children’s Hospital
  • Dr. Shelina Babul BC Children’s Hospital; University of British Columbia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v16i2.829

Keywords:

Concussion, Pediatric, Family Support, Recovery, Management, Brain Injury

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this paper is to outline my experiences investigating the need for additional support among post-concussion patients and their families. A growing volume of research has continued to demonstrate the significant health consequences of concussions on youth and adolescents, with studies emphasizing the need for increased support during the post-concussion recovery period. It was proposed that one way to provide this support may be through family-based peer support. Results: In this study, I interviewed 25 families with a child who had experienced a concussion in the past two years and received care from BCCH. The findings showed that individuals from this sample typically reported that they did not need additional support. While additional support was not indicated for this sample, it is important to note that all participants reported their concussion symptoms had resolved within a month. Conclusions: Results may have differed in a population with longer-lasting or more severe concussion symptoms. Additionally, this paper outlines my experience with conducting research during a global pandemic, additional findings regarding education surrounding concussions, and suggestions for future research.

Author Biographies

Dr. Shazya Karmali, BC Children’s Hospital

Dr. Shazya Karmali is the Research Manager at the British Columbia Injury Research and Prevention Unit (BCIRPU), British Columbia Children’s Hospital. Dr. Karmali completed her PhD in Health Promotion at Western University in February 2020, where she studied healthy behaviours within the family unit, specifically focusing on physical activity and nutrition behaviours of parents with overweight/obesity and their children. Currently, her work at BCIRPU focuses on concussion prevention, Indigenous injury prevention, and investigating the impacts of COVID-19 on intentional and unintentional injuries. Her roles include: qualitative research, project management, grant writing, study design, and program evaluation. Dr. Karmali is also currently coordinating the SHRed Concussions Study, a pan-Canadian research study investigating the prevention, recognition, and treatment of concussion in high-school athletes who play sports associated with a higher risk of concussion.

Dr. Shelina Babul, BC Children’s Hospital; University of British Columbia

Dr. Shelina Babul is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of British Columbia (UBC), having completed her PhD in Exercise Physiology (UBC, 2001). As the Associate Director and Sports Injury Specialist with the BC Injury Research and Prevent Unit, BC Children’s Hospital, she is the lead for sport and recreational evidence-based research and knowledge implementation, specializing in concussion recognition and management. Her research focus includes: identifying critical gaps in injury prevention; concussion research and strategies to promote uptake of effective interventions; and coordination of provincial, national, and international concussion efforts. Dr. Babul developed the Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT), with eLearning modules for medical professionals, coaches, athletes, and other audiences. Her awards include the Seventh International Safety Media Awards, 2021 WEBSITE Gold Award for CATT.​

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Published

2023-08-24

How to Cite

McGill, K., Karmali, S., & Babul, S. (2023). Assessing the Need for Support in Post-Concussion Patients and Their Families. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 16(2), 3–8. https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v16i2.829

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 2 (2023)

Section

STUDENTS' CORNER

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Copyright (c) 2023 Kheya McGill, Dr. Shazya Karmali, Dr. Shelina Babul

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