Improving Community Health Through a Concussion Impact Evaluation and Treatment Program at a Rural Critical Access Hospital

Concussions are a growing problem for young athletes. The hospital's overall goal is to educate and raise awareness among athletes, parents, teachers and schools, and to provide a resource to help manage all aspects of concussions. The objective is to collect baseline test data for all local high school and college athletes, as well as for 25 percent of grade school and junior high athletes ages 10 to 14. The hospital partners with a local junior high school to use its computer lab for testing.

During the 2014-2015 school year, staff performed 559 total baseline tests and 80 total post-concussion tests as of April 1, 2015. Most of these athletes were cared for by the school athletic trainer and primary physician. Several athletes with more severe concussions were sent to a local physician.

This case study is part of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association's annual Quality Excellence Achievement Awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals and health systems in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These organizations are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim—improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction), improving the health of populations, and reducing the per capita cost of health care—and the Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement—safe, effective, patient centered, timely, efficient, and equitable. To learn more, visit https://www.ihaqualityawards.org/javascript-ui/IHAQualityAward/