Current Concussion Education Practices in NCAA Member Institutions: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate concussion education implementation methods in NCAA member institutions. Methods: Of the 1,078 athletic trainers across all NCAA Divisions that were contacted, 355 were included in this study. Participants were asked to complete the Current Concussion Education Practices Questionnaire (CCEPQ). The CCEPQ consisted of four sections: demographics, concussion education questionnaire, perceived effectiveness of concussion education, and limitations/barrier to providing concussion education. Outcome frequencies were used to report survey results. Respondent division-level categorical differences across survey items were assessed with a 2X3 chi-square test of independence. Results: Providing concussion education occurs in 98.9% of NCAA member institutions. Educating student athletes on concussion annually occurs in 85.1% of NCAA member institutions. Among those institutions who provide concussion education, 5.1% report only providing concussion education to contact/collision sports. Utilization of the NCAA concussion facts sheet, and NCAA concussion education video occurs in 50.1% of NCAA member institutions. Only 70.7% of NCAA member institutions report providing information on the long-term consequences. Educating one team (65.4%) or multiple teams (46.8%) at a time regarding concussion had the greatest outcome frequencies when asked about the environment concussion education is provided. Conclusions: The majority of NCAA member institutions are providing concussion education to student-athletes. However, adherence to the NCAA Concussion Education Policy and Legislation appears to still be a concerning issue. Substantial heterogeneity with content and delivery method of concussion education among member institutions was not unexpected, due to the limited requirements and guidelines set by the NCAA Concussion Education Policy. NCAA member institutions whom provide concussion education appear to use material created by the NCAA. Future research should evaluate the current concussion education practices reviled in the present study for effectiveness. After evaluation of current concussion education practices, the creation of improved concussion education policies can commence.