Article Text
Abstract
Background Concussions occur within and outside of the sports realm, including those resulting from falls, motor vehicle crashes, and violence. Yet emerging concussion research predominantly takes a sports perspective. The 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport prompted widespread updating of concussion training and resources. Notably, assessments for concussion, and the roles of rest and aerobic physical activity supporting recovery, have been considerably refined. The Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT) provides free, evidence-based, concussion education and resources tailored to diverse audiences: medical professionals, coaches, youth, athletes, parents, educators, workers and their employers, and those supporting survivors of intimate partner violence.
Objective To outline the knowledge translation practices employed in updating CATT, and highlight new information and features of the courses and website.
Programme Description CATT is informed by evidence-based research and concussion experts across Canada. Recently launched on its new online platform, CATT offers up-to-date eLearning modules and downloadable resources, each created using an integrated knowledge translation (iKT) approach.
Outcomes and Learnings To date, over 175,000 people worldwide have completed CATT training. The website receives >17,000 visits per month from 50+ countries: Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, China, New Zealand, Ireland, India, South Africa, France, and elsewhere. This wide-reaching approach to online concussion education is available in both English and French. Modules for medical professionals, coaches, and educators will also be available in Arabic. CATT training has been mandated by 100+ sporting associations, universities, schools, and other organizations in Canada and the United States. Furthermore, the University of British Columbia is the first medical school in Canada to incorporate concussion education into its curriculum, using CATT resources.
Implications Given its wide reach and relevance to a range of audiences, it is important that CATT is reviewed regularly and updated with newly released, evidence-based research. Through iKT, research is synthesized, adapted, and integrated into the various CATT eModules and resources.
Conclusions CATT is used extensively to educate targeted audiences on concussion prevention, recognition, treatment, management, and recovery. Recent updates and website improvements ensure that users are engaging with the most up-to-date information that is easily accessible and available, at no-cost.