Evaluating the Impact of Collaborative Care and Rehabiliation on Concussion Patients: Clinical Observations and Literary Review

Philadelphia, PA

Current research suggests that 1.6 - 3.8 million people each year suffer from concussions (Chin et al. 2016). The impact of concussions on the brain cannot be seen with traditional brain imaging, but screening tools can indicate whether the physical and cognitive symptoms presented are consistent with a concussion diagnosis. In addition to physical symptom reporting, concussion rehabilitation has shifted to focus on additional mental health factors. The aims of this capstone project were to gain a more in-depth understanding of the neurobiological and psychosocial factors influencing the recovery from a concussion, understand the rehabilitative process of a concussion, as well as observe the neurobehavioral implications of experiencing and recovering from a concussion. The experience included observing Dr. Arlene Goodman, M.D.,at the Saint Peter’s Sports Medicine Institute, as she used screening tools, rehabilitation exercises and self-reported patient data to help facilitate recovery and to determine whether the patient was likely to experience Persistent Post Concussive Syndrome (PCS). The clinic also provided collaborative care through the help of a social worker. My experience highlights that improving the mental health of the patient through psychological intervention has the potential to provide the best rehabilitative outcomes.