Leadership Lessons in Concussion Management for Team Physicians

Background: In the past decade, concussions have emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly in sports, where awareness of their potential long-term effects has increased. These injuries are complex and require a collaborative approach to treatment involving various healthcare specialists. The team physician plays a central leadership role in managing concussions among athletes, but specific leadership strategies and protocols used in this context have not been fully documented. The aim of this article is to fill this gap by outlining effective planning and best practices for concussion management designed for team physicians. Methods: The authors conducted a comprehensive review of the existing literature on concussion management and leadership strategies in sports settings from ۲۰۰۹ to ۲۰۲۱. They integrated evidence-based methods and protocols that can be utilized by team physicians to enhance care coordination for athletes with concussions. This manuscript emphasizes the importance of creating interdisciplinary teams and defining roles among team members to ensure effective concussion management. Results: Findings indicate that effective concussion management requires a structured approach, including the development of clear protocols aligned with best practices. This study outlines essential components such as preseason planning, baseline assessments, and ongoing education for athletes, coaches, and parents. It underscores the importance of establishing an interdisciplinary team comprising physicians, athletic trainers, neuropsychologists, and school administrators to facilitate comprehensive care. By defining roles within this team, team physicians can better coordinate care, monitor recovery, and make informed return-to-play decisions based on standardized assessments. Implementing these protocols not only enhances athlete safety but also fosters a culture of awareness and preventive management of concussions in sports organizations. Conclusion: The study concludes that team physicians should adopt effective leadership strategies in concussion management to optimize athlete care. By implementing evidence-based protocols and strengthening collaboration among healthcare professionals, they can significantly improve the quality of care provided to athletes with concussions. This leadership approach is essential not only for the immediate management of injuries but also for promoting long-term health outcomes in athletes.

کلیدواژه ها:

Concussion management ، Interdisciplinary team ، Leadership ، Mild traumatic brain injury ، Rehabilitation