First Aid for Concussion - Digital Support Tool for Patients

Digital Support Tool for Patients for young people with Concussion

Emergency departments often distribute brochures containing information for individuals diagnosed with, or suspected of having, a concussion.

This project is based on the procedures and information developed in accordance with national and international guidelines to transform this knowledge into a digital format. The aim is to make the information easily accessible for those suffering from a concussion by utilizing multiple media, including audio, to expand the content to support affected individuals during the early stages of recovery.

Patients are advised to abstain from using electronics for the first 48 hours after their concussion. Subsequently, both relatives and professionals can use the app to support recovery. The exact content of the app will be developed during the project in close collaboration with representatives of individuals affected by concussion and selected experts.

Purpose

The purpose of the First Aid for Concussion project is to:

Develop a digital tool that professionals can recommend to patients, and citizens and their relatives can use during the initial recovery phase
Prevent and mitigate late complications
Communicate project results to inspire other organizations.

The project will develop and test an app with content tailored to the target group, containing podcasts, advice, and guidance. This should provide citizens with relevant information, an overview, and inspiration from others who have also suffered a concussion.

In the long term, the app is to be recommended to patients by emergency departments, general practitioners, municipalities, and specialized communication centres. It is designed to empower users with knowledge and replace feelings of helplessness with guidance.

The project aims to demonstrate that the concept and the app can be developed and utilized. The long-term goal is to reduce sickness absence and late complications by providing prompt, consistent, and evidence-based information in a digital format.

Background

Each year, approximately 25,000 Danes experience a concussion, and among children and young people it is a common injury. About 30% of young people with a concussion experience persistent symptoms lasting at least one month after the injury.

Many who suffer long-term consequences after a concussion also experience symptoms such as chronic headaches, concentration difficulties, and sleep issues. This often results in prolonged sickness absence which has both personal and socioeconomic implications.

The Danish Concussion Centre published a new National Clinical Guideline in 2021 that recommends systematic information and early counselling following the incident. The guidelines now include light activity during the first 48 hours (for example, light household chores and walks) and screen use only after 48 hours. This represents a shift away from solely focusing on rest following a concussion.

Recent articles have highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with concussion when navigating their recovery and interacting with the various professional groups, sectors, and services. There are currently several projects and political discussions on how to ensure a more uniform and evidence-based treatment of people experiencing long-term effects following a concussion. Although there are various support options today, there is a lack of a free, evidence-based digital service delivered by public entities that can operate across sectors.

Activities

The foundation of the project is to collect existing knowledge, review current workflows, and understand the needs of the patients. Based on this, we will build a pathway within an already existing app: 'Mit liv – min sundhed' from the Digital Health Centre. This app already facilitates patient-centric tools for managing health conditions.

The digital service will be developed focusing on user involvement and current workflows. The unique aspect of the solution is that it is created based on a broad and highly competent partnership and that it will be accessible and free for all.

Objectives

The objectives of the project include:

Gathering knowledge about the experiences and needs of people experiencing concussion
Developing a digital environment for both young people and adults with a focus on evidence-based advice
Creating a concept for disseminating the digital tool via professionals and social media
Producing content for the app, such as podcasts, videos, exercises and relaxation techniques
Evaluate and document the feasibility, challenges, and long-term costs associated with maintaining and scaling the digital solution post-project implementation
Communicating project results to other organizations.

Project contributions from Health Innovation Centre of Southern Denmark

Health Innovation Centre of Southern Denmark is responsible for the overall project management and coordination, as well as supporting the development of the digital tool. This includes project administration, conducting project meetings, facilitating user participation workshops, describing and testing the digital solution, and exploring opportunities for further implementation.

Partners

The project builds on the existing partnership surrounding the Digital Health Centre, a partnership established in 2013 that includes 34 municipalities, Region of Southern Denmark, and several patient associations. The Digital Health Centre offers a range of digital services focusing on managing chronic diseases. In this project, we have a strong interdisciplinary partnership that consists of:

Municipalities contributing with their expertise in managing individuals with concussion and many years of experience with this target group
The Research Unit for General Practice in Region of Southern Denmark, which plays an important role as a representative of general practitioners
The Concussion Association, a patient association for people with concussion, contributing with user representatives
The Centre for Communication and Welfare Technology (CKV), which offers specialized counselling and training in areas such as speech, hearing, vision, or mobility, also in relation to concussion
The Danish Concussion Centre (DCFH), contributing with their specialist expertise in the field, including research and evaluation skills
Actively involving young people in development workshops will provide critical insights into their recovery needs, ensuring the app meets their expectations and facilitates effective use.

Additional partners deemed beneficial for the project’s development and dissemination will be engaged throughout the project.