Aotearoa New Zealand physiotherapists’ perspectives of potential expanded roles for sports-related concussion management: A qualitative study

Authors

  • Mya Dalton Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7159-8624
  • Olivia Galea Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5013-7580
  • Rebecca Blyth Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8032-3181
  • Duncan Reid Department of Physiotherapy; Active Living and Rehabilitation: Aotearoa New Zealand, Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, School of Clinical Sciences Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8989-800X
  • Dusty Quinn Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, Dunedin, New Zealand
  • Jason Chua TBI Network, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0224-2818
  • Gisela Sole Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1632-0338

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15619/nzjp.v52i2.390

Keywords:

Brain Concussion, Case Management, Diagnosis, Physiotherapist

Abstract

Concussions (mild traumatic head injury) have received increasing attention in clinical practice, research, and the public press. A range of healthcare providers engage with patients presenting with concussion, and physiotherapists are often at the front line of these consultations, especially on the sports field. We explored physiotherapists’ perspectives of their scope of practice and actual clinical practice within the sports-related concussion diagnosis and return-to-sport context. A qualitative approach with interviews and focus groups was used, including 18 physiotherapists. Three themes were derived: (a) delayed access to concussiontrained general practitioners; (b) navigating concussion care in a strained healthcare system; and (c) proposed expanded role for physiotherapists. Delayed patient access to medical doctors often delayed a formal concussion diagnosis, initiation of specific concussion care, or medical sports clearance. Yet the participants were regularly identifying and managing concussions, and most felt confident to do so. Some participants, particularly those working with high-performance athletes or in multidisciplinary teams, suggested that concussion diagnosis and clearance for return to work or play should remain the medical doctors’ responsibilities. Yet participants working at community level suggested that, with relevant training and mentored experience, diagnosis, triaging, and clearance for sport could be within their scope of practice.

Downloads

Published

26-07-2024

How to Cite

Dalton, M., Galea, O., Blyth, R., Reid, D., Quinn, D., Chua, J., & Sole, G. (2024). Aotearoa New Zealand physiotherapists’ perspectives of potential expanded roles for sports-related concussion management: A qualitative study. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, 52(2), 113–125. https://doi.org/10.15619/nzjp.v52i2.390

Most read articles by the same author(s)

<< < 1 2