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SCORE Concussion Education and Baseline Testing Program

A Good Idea

Description

The Safe Concussion Outcome Recovery & Education (SCORE) Program of Children's National Medical Center offers a state-of-the-art, comprehensive model of youth concussion care. Our community-based services begin before the injury with education and training of parents, coaches, athletes, schools, and medical professionals focusing on injury prevention strategies. Coaches and doctors are also taught skills to recognize a suspected concussion and respond appropriately to safeguard the child/teen. The program provides consultation to sports league leadership to help develop the necessary safety policies and procedures. On a broader level, the program provides consultative guidance to state and federal legislators, national professional organizations, CDC, and national governing bodies of youth sports to promote effective concussion safety measures. Pre-injury baseline assessments of neurocognitive functions and symptoms of youth athletes are conducted, assessing key areas of function such as memory, learning and reaction time. This information may be used in the event of a concussion to better understand and manage the youth's injury. The program is similar to the concussion programs used in high school, college, and professional athletic organizations.

Goal / Mission

The goal of the community education, training and baseline testing component of the SCORE Concussion Program is to improve community understanding of concussions and response post-injury.

Impact

In 2012, The SCORE Concussion Education and Baseline Testing Program provided baseline testing and student athlete education to 1,522 children, lead 32 parent and coach education sessions, and conducted workshop training in more than 30 schools.

Results / Accomplishments

In 2012, The SCORE Concussion Education and Baseline Testing Program provided baseline testing and student athlete education to 1,522 children, lead 32 parent and coach education sessions, conducted workshop training in more than 30 schools, and delivered over 30 grand rounds and lectures to physicians and other healthcare providers.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Children's National Medical Center
Primary Contact
Tiffany Esinhart
Children's Outpatient Center of Montgomery County
15245 Shady Grove Road
Suite 350 (South Building)
Rockville, Maryland 20850
301-765-5427
tesinhar@childrensnational.org
http://www.childrensnational.org/score/contact-us....
Topics
Health / Children's Health
Health / Prevention & Safety
Health / Adolescent Health
Organization(s)
Children's National Medical Center
Date of implementation
2008
Location
Greater Washington, DC
For more details
Target Audience
Children, Teens, Families
Additional Audience
Young Adults, Coaches
Submitted By
Kim Searcy, Children's National Medical Center
Kansas Health Matters