Concussion: Implementing a Trauma Prevention Program in the Community

Introduction: There are approximately 3.8 million concussions that occur annually. Sports injuries are the second leading cause of traumatic brain injuries among adolescents. Concussions represent approximately nine percent of all high school sports injuries. However, concussions are grossly underreported as it affects athletes playing time and possible scholarships they may be contending for. Underreporting of concussions can lead to long-term sequelae and gross deficits. Aim: To identify a model, which will allow for implementation of an educational trauma prevention program in the community and can be used throughout the state of California to decrease the number of concussions, which occur annually while simultaneously decreasing morbidity and mortality rates of those injured? Methods: Review how a clinical nurse specialist, an advanced practice nurse, can positively affect outcomes of concussed patients. Review how the PDCA model can be integrated in the process of such a program for the community to improve outcomes. Utilized the Cochrane Library and Cinhal Repositories for review of peer-reviewed articles including articles from the United States and ones in the English language. Conclusion: The implementation of an educational trauma prevention program with the PDCA model by a CNS will decrease morbidity and mortality rates. The use of interdisciplinary teams is necessary to improve outcomes for concussed patients, which involves both the community as well as healthcare organizations alike.