Concussion Smart: minimalist app for assessment that ‘just works’

Name of the Mobile Application: Concussion Smart

Category of the Mobile Application: Education

Platform: Requires iOS 7.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Cost: Free

ABOUT THE APP

Concussion Smart is a mobile application launched by Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, in partnership with Medtronic in late 2015. The app doubles as an education tool for patients, athletes, parents or coaches and head injury suspicion test. It stands out among other ‘concussion apps’ by being exceptionally easy to use.

For all persons involved in sports with a risk of head injury, the awareness of concussion over the past few years has increased dramatically (‘What’s happening?’A content analysis of concussion-related traffic on Twitter). An accompanying awareness of diagnostic tools should follow suit. There is a growing need for more clear information being provided to all relevant sportspeople (even the general public). This should include appropriate utilization of mobile health devices.

“this checklist-like approach provides clarity to the user”

Where Concussion Smart excels is in a clear provision of information and instructions. The learning curve required for use of the application is minimal and it’s provision of timely warnings succinct. For any medic involved in the provision of pitch-side care, recognition that a player shows any signs of concussion is sufficient grounds for removal from the field of play. This is not a procedure which requires any level of higher training and can be executed by referees, coaches and parents alike. The app reinforces this by providing the a:

• ‘Quick Test’: Maddock’s Score on orientation.
• ‘Full Test’: The above plus the Symptoms and Standardized Cognitive Assessment components of the SCAT 3.
• Symptoms can also be assessed independently.

Before each test is administered, a warning is displayed reminding the user that presence of any symptom warrants removal from the field of play. At the end of a test it will provide a score, where any incorrect answers advise seeking medical advice. On a backdrop of increasing availability of information, this checklist-like approach provides clarity to the user.

The app does not provide any further analysis. A PDF version of the SCAT 3 is provided, which could be opened in a complimentary app such as PDF expert and fully completed by a medical professional using annotation.

A version of ABI Ireland’s Return to Play guidelines are also available in app. There is more information provided on what constitutes rest and recovery, with a long section on frequently asked questions.

The over-riding message should be that where there is doubt as to concussion, sit the player out.