Concussion App for Parents and Coaches

  by Jean Rickerson, Founder/editor

June 5, 2011-- 

Coaches and parents have a new tool to aid in the recognition and management of concussions.  The Concussion Recognition and Response (CRR) app is now available for mobile platforms.

Based on existing up-to-date guidelines, the app was developed by a medical team who plan on expanding the next series to include teachers, school nurses, and other medical personnel.

The cost for the app is $3.99. Details below.

Suspect a Concussion?

Assess whether an individual is exhibiting/reporting signs and symptoms of a suspected concussion with the Concussion Recognition & Response app. In less than 5 minutes, coaches and parents can go through a checklist of possible signs/symptoms to determine whether to remove the child from play and the need for further medical examination.

The app also provides home symptom monitoring for post-injury follow up.

Developed by concussion experts Gerard A. Gioia, PhD, and Jason Mihalik, PhD, the app is based on information from the CDC’s “Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports” program. Guiding the user through a list of possible symptoms, the app helps coaches and parents make informed decisions about next steps following a suspected concussion.

Concussion Recognition and Response. Guided questions help determine the likelihood of a suspected concussion based on observations by the parent or coach and/or symptoms reported by the athlete. A GPS records where the incident took place; a camera enables you to photograph the injured party; email allows you to forward accurate information and documentation to a health care provider.

Home Symptom Monitoring (HSM). After follow-up with health care providers, the app enables a parent or caregiver to record a child’s symptoms through periodic evaluations, which are tracked during the hours, days, or weeks following an injury. This information can be emailed to the health care professionals, providing an update on the athlete’s recovery.

Return-to-Play Guide. Based on information provided by the CDC, the Return-to-Play Guide helps to protect children and athletes from further injury by guiding them through a daily exercise routine that assists in their ability to return to play. Through a five-step, tiered workout routine and in collaboration with the child’s health care provider, parents and coaches can ensure that the child is able to handle added exercise without further injury or discomfort.

ACE Post-Concussion Home/School Instructions. The app’s concussion information section provides general information about concussions along with targeted answers to Frequently Asked Questions for parents and coaches.

Currently available for hockey, football, and lacrosse.

For your iPhone®, iPad®, iPod® Touch, Android device or tablet.

Gerard Gioia, PhD is on the SportsConcussions.org advisory board.  SportsConcussions.org does not receive any financial renumeration from the sale of the CRR.

Questions/comments contact jean@sportsconcussions.org