Googling concussion care in the USA: a critical appraisal of online concussion healthcare providers. (3rd March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ellis, Michael J; Ritchie, Lesley; Selci, Erin; Grossi, Stephanie; Frost, Samantha; McDonald, Patrick J; Russell, Kelly
• Is Part Of: Concussion. Volume 2:Number 2(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-03-03
• Subjects: concussion -- healthcare provider -- USA; Brain -- Concussion -- Periodicals; 617.481044
• DOI: 10.2217/cnc-2016-0027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-3299

Abstract

Aim: To examine the online personnel and practice profiles of concussion healthcare providers in the USA.Methods: We conducted independent, blinded, Google Internet searches for concussion healthcare providers using the terms 'concussion clinic' and 'concussion program' and each American state and completed a critical appraisal of healthcare personnel and services at these websites.Results: A total of 184 concussion healthcare providers were identified. Despite offering care to traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, access to professionals with expertise in TBI including neuropsychologists (40.8%), neurologists (33.7%) and neurosurgeons (21.7%) was variable across sites.Conclusion: Concussion healthcare in the USA is presently delivered by a range of healthcare professionals with varying levels of training in TBI offering a variety of services.