A new resource is available to aid primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and medical students in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

The new clinical practice guideline is a practical tool to provide high-quality, timely, and appropriate care for people of all ages who may have sustained a concussion/mTBI. It contains key recommendations for assessment and diagnosis, management, follow-up, and special considerations. The Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT) e-learning courses and resources are recommended for use throughout the guideline, including the CATT for Medical Professionals course, which is an Accredited Self-Assessment Program (Section 3) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and approved by UBC CPD.

The guideline was developed by the Guidelines and Protocol Advisory Committee (GPAC), an advisory to the BC Medical Services Commission, and in collaboration with key brain injury experts, including Drs. Shelina Babul, Paul Korn (Pediatric Medicine), Bryan Melnyk (Injury Prevention), Garth Meckler (Emergency Medicine), Noah Silverberg (Neuropsychology), and David Wilson (Family Medicine).

“This new clinical guideline is a much-needed resource to help primary care providers have an accessible reference to assess, diagnose, and manage concussion,” said Dr. Babul. “This guideline will allow patients to receive more timely and accurate care via their family doctor or emergency department.”

View the new guideline at BCGuidelines.ca.