Cambridge Scholars Publishing Concussion Competencies: A Framework for School-Based Concussion Management

This book presents necessary information and data for people working with concussion recovery or experiencing a concussion, especially of a sports-related nature. There is currently no defined body of knowledge presented to practitioners, a lacuna this book serves to fill. While medical attention is often needed at the initial stage of treatment, the most important parts of ongoing treatment are behavioural, specifically managing and monitoring the patient and engaging them in “active rehabilitation” strategies. The competencies described here address multiple constituencies, from medical personnel to patients. The book is designed to direct the reader to appropriate sections in a straightforward manner supported by evidence and research. Its core focus is on schools in the US, where the majority of sports-related concussion occur and are managed. However, the knowledge competencies detailed here are broad enough to provide a solid education in concussions, and what to do about them, across various environments. Review There is a crucial need for a complete source of information on the important aspects of concussion for school-aged children. This research-based curriculum provides a comprehensive, practical guide for understanding effective management of concussion to support the best outcomes in recovery. It's competency-based design allows for different school professionals and families to access the information germane to their roles in understanding concussion for school-aged children. I love the convenience of the easy to follow charts of competencies for each role. This is a must have for all schools and sports coaches. --Cynthia Pahr, M.Ed., CBIST, Educational Consultant and Brain Injury Services Coordinator for San Diego Unified School District As a neuropsychologist who consults with multiple school districts for return to play decision making, I was thrilled to read this much overdue and desperately needed, well-written, comprehensive yet easy digested manual. The authors are modest in their scope with regards to whom this was written for. While this is truly going to be a game-changer for school personnel and educators, it will be equally as useful (and much needed) for all healthcare professionals working with student athletes. It is an excellent review and 'how to' manual for any professional from any discipline who works with concussed students. --Ted Davis, PhD. Former Director, Center for Neuropsychology, Learning and Behavioral Medicine, Saint Joseph Hospital, Nashua NH This is a wonderful resource that is well-written and easy to understand. The Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska is always looking for useful brain injury information that can be shared and used by key school personnel for work with students. The authors of this training manual created the perfect, user-friendly tool which offers easy to read and easy to follow concussion information for school personnel. This training manual is a must have for all schools! --Peggy Reisher, MSW, Executive Director, Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska About the Author Dr Arthur Maerlender, PhD, ABPP-CN, is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist and a Research Associate Professor and former Director of Clinical Research at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. After obtaining his PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Notre Dame, USA, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Neuropsychology at Dartmouth (Geisel) Medical School, USA, where he remained for twenty years, before retiring as the Director of the Pediatric Neuropsychology service. He has conducted research in learning disabilities, autism and traumatic brain injury, and has served on the boards of the Vermont Learning Disabilities Foundation, the Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire, and the Academy of Brain Injury Specialists of the National Brain Injury Association. He also served on the Institute of Medicine Committee on Concus