Return to Learn! A Concussion Discussion One small school’s Protocol Anne Comfort. M.Ed Director, Accessibility & Student Wellness

This session will cover: - Research - Mt This session will cover: - Research - Mt.A Return to Learn protocol - Next steps and concerns

Research on Concussion Issues: - Dave Ellemberg U de Mtrl - The Neuro - Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, Concussion Response Tool - NB Trauma Program

Concussions: Not a new idea Concussions: Not a new idea! 2001 – 1st international conference on concussion in sport (Vienna) - development of a Return to Play standard - sideline identification - 3rd party observer

Every US state has a Return to Play law: - youth athletes removed from play Ontario’s Rowan’s law - June 2016 - Ottawa HS rubgy player - Coroner’s inquest - mandatory education for coaches, players, trainers.

Mt.A. develops a Return to Learn protocol Dr Jennifer Tomes Cognitive psychologist

Process - identification on field or self report - trainer complete “temporary accommodation form” - athlete presents at Access Office

Access staff discuss effects of concussions (Not Medical experts Access staff discuss effects of concussions (Not Medical experts!!!) - symptoms, persistent, varied - life style changes - emotional issues - how to return to school - determining effects on academic - communication to professors - self-determination

Accommodations include: - email and communication to professors - frequent check-ins with client - “mothering” - symptom check-in - note-takers for classes - tutoring as required when appropriate - negotiation with profs

Accommodations (cont’d): - determining academic status - letter of support to withdraw from course or term - test accommodations breaks extra time lower lighting quiet space

Key Features: - check-ins - facilitate communication - student focused - accommodations provided

Barry and Tomes (2015) - 24.5% student/athletes have experiences 4 or more concussions Tomes, Ritchie and Gores (2017 – to be published) - over 50% have hidden symptoms or would do to in the future

Meier et al. (2015) - symptom reporting to athletic trainer vs a confidential setting - far more symptoms reported in confidential setting - This supports the Mt.A. model

For 2016-17: - 13 concussed students - 4 rugby, 3 football, 5 other sports, 1 accident - 2 now on “permanent”accommodations

Concerns: - athletes who are concussed:. concussions are self reported Concerns: - athletes who are concussed: concussions are self reported not able to make best decisions - once cleared to play, cleared to learn - access staff has no say in return to play

Next steps: - continue with education to athletes - promotion of our service on campus

Questions. More info. Contact Anne Comfort acomfort@mta. ca www. mta Questions? More info? Contact Anne Comfort acomfort@mta.ca www.mta.ca/meighen