Name: development and implementation of a multi-disciplinary technology enhanced care pathway for youth and adults with concussion
Uploaded: 2019-01-20T15:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Development and Implementation of a Multi-Disciplinary Technology Enhanced Care Pathway for Youth and Adults with Concussion at JoVE.com

We wish to thank the Jason Cruickshank, Bob Gray, and the Cleveland Clinic Athletic Trainers for their support and assistance with data collection. This study was supported by the Edward F. and Barbara A. Bell Family Endowed Chair to JLA.

The protocol outlined below follows the guidelines of the Cleveland Clinic human research ethics committee.
1. Administering the C3 App
<ol>
	<li>Administer the C3 app to all student-athletes at baseline prior to the start of the given athletic season. Administer follow up assessments in the event of a concussive injury. Follow up assessments are reserved for the evaluation of recovery once the individual reports no more than minimal symptoms, so as to prevent symptom provocation as a result...

<ol>
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C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Summary+of+evidence-based+guideline+update:+Evaluation+and+management+of+concussion+in+sports:+Report+of+the+Guideline+Development+Subcommittee+of+the+American+Academy+of+Neurology.">Summary of evidence-based guideline update: Evaluation and management of concussion in sports: Report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.</a> Neurology. , (2013).</li><li>Alberts, J. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+Multidisciplinary+Approach+to+Concussion+Management.">A Multidisciplinary Approach to Concussion Management.</a> The Bridge. 46 (1), 23-25 (2016).</li><li>Alberts, J. 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L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Quantification+of+postural+stability+in+older+adults+using+mobile+technology.">Quantification of postural stability in older adults using mobile technology.</a> Experimental brain research. 232 (12), 3861-3872 (2014).</li><li>Alberts, J., Linder, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+utilization+of+biomechanics+to+understand+and+manage+the+acute+and+long-term+effects+of+concussion.">The utilization of biomechanics to understand and manage the acute and long-term effects of concussion.</a> Kinesiology Review. 4, 39-51 (2015).</li><li>Simon, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Reliability+and+Concurrent+Validity+of+Select+C3+Logix+Test+Components.">Reliability and Concurrent Validity of Select C3 Logix Test Components.</a> Developmental Neuropsychology. , 1-14 (2017).</li><li>Bernstein, J. P. K., Calamia, M., Pratt, J., Mullenix, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Assessing+the+effects+of+concussion+using+the+C3Logix+Test+Battery:+An+exploratory+study.">Assessing the effects of concussion using the C3Logix Test Battery: An exploratory study.</a> Applied Neuropsychology Adult. , 1-8 (2018).</li><li>McCrory, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Consensus+statement+on+concussion+in+sport:+the+4th+International+Conference+on+Concussion+in+Sport+held+in+Zurich,+November+2012.">Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 4th International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Zurich, November 2012.</a> British Journal of Sports Medicine. 47 (5), 250-258 (2012).</li><li>Foundation ON. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Concussion Care and Recovery Pathway. , (2018).</li><li>Vander Vegt, C., Register-Mihalik, J., Ford, C., Rodrigo, C., Guskiewicz, K., Mihalik, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Baseline+Concussion+Clinical+Measures+Are+Related+to+Sensory+Organization+and+Balance.">Baseline Concussion Clinical Measures Are Related to Sensory Organization and Balance.</a> Medicine and science in sports and exercise. , (2018).</li></ol>

The development and implementation of the concussion carepath served numerous purposes in our health system&#39;s transformation toward value-based care1,2,3. The algorithm of care was critical in guiding clinical decision-making, and was supported by standardized, biomechanical outcomes in the form of the C3 app, which was used by all members of the interdisciplinary concussion team. These standardized outcomes provided qualifi...

The practice of medicine and the delivery of health care are undergoing a fundamental transformation from volume to value1, driven by payers, hospitals, clinicians, and patients. Health care delivery is challenged by the lack of standardization, interoperability of systems, communication of information, and the coordination of services. These deficiencies complicate effective continuity of care that often result in unnecessary services and have been identified as primary sources of rising health care costs1,2. By contrast, coordinated disease- or condition-specific care has been shown to optimize outcomes while minimizing costs2. In a coordinated care model, patients with a given condition are managed by an experienced, interdisciplinary team according to best practice guidelines, and are referred to the right provider at the right time2.
In efforts to transform clinical practice from a primarily volume-based to a value-based model, the Cleveland Clinic embarked on an enterprise-wide initiative to standardize clinical practice along disease lines through the development and implementation of clinical carepaths3. A care pathway is defined as a standardized approach for the mutual decision-making and organization of care processes for a well-defined group of patients over a well-defined time4. The underlying tenet of a care pathway is standardization of care. The expectation is that with evidence-based care pathways and interdisciplinary care teams, standardization and best practice will be achieved over time, venue and provider resulting in improved efficiency, effectiveness, and value2. With the inclusion of validated outcomes, there is a built-in mechanism for iterating the carepath over time to further refine and improve patient care.
Concussion was identified as a condition in which the potential to streamline care and optimize patient management was significant. While concussive injuries are typically not life-threatening, their effects can be severe and debilitating, with direct and indirect costs estimated at $83 billion annually5. It is estimated that 80-90% of individuals with concussion recover within 7-14 days of injury6,7. However, consensus on the management of the 10-20% of individuals with persistent symptoms is lacking, and evidence supporting or refuting the efficacy of rehabilitation, medical interventions or the diagnostic value of imaging in individuals with post-concussive symptoms is sparse. Multiple consensus statements indicate that an interdisciplinary team approach is optimal to treat concussion6,8,9,10. In 2011, work on the Cleveland Clinic Concussion Carepath11, shown in Figure 1, was initiated. Our primary goal was to create a standardized, evidence-informed approach to the identification, evaluation and management of individuals with concussion. An interdisciplinary team of providers collaborated in the development of the carepath, building consensus based on available evidence in the literature and expert clinical opinion. Physician groups that were represented included: sports medicine, neurology, neurosurgery, rehabilitation medicine, neuroradiology, emergency medicine, primary care, pediatrics and family medicine. The carepath team also included athletic trainers (AT&#39;s), physical therapists (PT&#39;s), speech therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and neuropsychologists. Finally, computer scientists and research scientists provided technical guidance and software development. The carepath algorithm, documentation template, and outcomes were developed over a course of 15 months from 2011 to 2012. To ensure appropriateness of outcome measures, the C3 application assessment modules were simultaneously being validated12,13,14,15,16.
The evidence-based Cleveland Clinic concussion carepath depicted in Figure 1 was developed to identify individuals with concussion on a trajectory of typical and delayed recovery, and specifically for the latter group, to create clear and objective criteria for referral to specialty services. Standardized outcome measures were established and proposed to be collected across disciplines. In an effort to facilitate utilization and compliance with the standardized evaluation and documentation requirements of the carepath, the Cleveland Clinic Concussion (C3) app was developed, tested, and deployed. The aim of this project is to 1) describe the development and implementation of the Concussion Carepath, 2) to demonstrate the integration of technology in the form of a mobile application to enable the carepath and guide clinical decision-making, and 3) to present preliminary data on the responsiveness of the C3 app in detecting change in neurological function post-concussion. We hypothesized that utilizing the C3 app would improve interdisciplinary communication aide in clinical decision making.

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			<td height="63" style="height:63px;width:216px;">Foam Balance Pad</td>
			<td style="width:159px;">Airex, Sins, Switzerland</td>
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			<td style="width:167px;">dense foam balance pad used during balance testing</td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">iPad Digital Table</td>
			<td style="width:159px;">Apple</td>
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			<td></td>
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development and implementation of a multi-disciplinary technology enhanced care pathway for youth and adults with concussion

The evidence-informed standardization of care along disease lines is recommended to improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. The aim of this project is to 1) describe the development and implementation of the Concussion Carepath, 2) demonstrate the process of integrating technology in the form of a mobile application to enable the carepath and guide clinical decision-making, and 3) present data on the utility of the C3 app in facilitating decision-making throughout the injury recovery process. A multi-disciplinary team of experts in concussion care was formed to develop an evidence-informed algorithm, outlining best practices for the clinical management of concussion along three phases of recovery &#8211; acute, subacute, and post-concussive. A custom mobile application, the Cleveland Clinic Concussion (C3) app was developed and validated to provide a platform for the systematic collection of objective, biomechanical outcomes and to provide guidance in clinical decision-making in the field and clinical environments. The Cleveland Clinic Concussion app included an electronic incident report, assessment modules to measure important aspects of cognitive and motor function, and a return to play module to systematically document the six phases of post-injury rehabilitation. The assessment modules served as qualifiers within the carepath algorithm, driving referral for specialty services as indicated. Overall, the carepath coupled with the C3 app functioned in unison to facilitate communication among the interdisciplinary team, prevent stagnant care, and drive patients to the right provider at the right time for efficient and effective clinical management.

To investigate change in neurologic function following concussion, baseline and follow-up C3 assessments were analyzed in 181 student-athletes injured during the 2013-2014 athletic seasons. Detailed demographics of the 181 injured athletes are shown in Table 1. Data were stratified into two groups: those who recovered within three weeks of injury (N=92) and those who were still symptomatic three weeks after injury (N=89). When comparing the first post-injury assessments, ...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Development and Implementation of a Multi-Disciplinary Technology Enhanced Care Pathway for Youth and Adults with Concussion at JoVE.com

Development and Implementation of a Multi-Disciplinary Technology Enhanced Care Pathway for Youth and Adults with Concussion

A multidisciplinary carepath to standardize disparate concussion care was developed and implemented at the Cleveland Clinic. The Cleveland Clinic Concussion (C3) mobile application was used to enable the carepath through biomechanical outcomes characterizing cognitive and motor function. Patient outcomes improved while cost of care was reduced following implementation.

The evidence-informed standardization of care along disease lines is recommended to improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. The aim of this project ...

This technology enables the objective quantification of the multiple symptoms of concussion, and allows multiple providers to use this technology to share information about the neuro performance of an individual. One of the advantages of this technology is it allows us to objectively quantify the multiple symptoms of concussion. For example, balance which typically is evaluated in a very subjective manner can now be quantified using the accelerometer and the gyroscope within the I-Pad.Demonstrating how to use the C3 application is Susan Linder, a research physical therapist from my laboratory. To assess postural sway, use a custom belt to affix the digital tablet onto the participant's sacrum. And inform the participant that their balance will be tested.Instruct the participant to remain in the designated stance for the entire 20 second trial with their eyes closed and ask them to begin with the feet together. Instruct the participant to return to the correct position as quickly as possible if they lose their balance. When the participant is in the proper stance, press Start to begin the five second countdown that signalizes the start of the 20 second trial and record the number of errors committed.Immediately after completing the first trial, begin the next trial. To assess the participant's static vision holding the digital tablet five feet from the participant at eye level, instruct the participant to read the five letters displayed on the table from left to right and record the number of correct letters that the participant is able to read. To assess the dynamic vision, play a sample metronome tone and rotate the head right to left with approximately 20 degrees of cervical rotation in each direction to demonstrate the proper head movement.Ask the participant to demonstrate the proper head rotation keeping with the metronome and initiate the trial confirming that the participant is rotating their head properly while the opto types are presented and instructing the participant to read the five letters displayed from left to right while continuing to rotate the head left to right to the beat of the metronome. For a simple reaction time assessment, display the instruction screen and instruct the participant to place their dominant index finger onto the touch and hold button. When the stimulus turns from yellow to green, instruct the participants to release the button and to touch the green light as quickly as possible.Observe the participant completing the practice trial, confirming that they understand the directions and are able to complete the task within the allotted 100 to 500 milliseconds. Then have the participant complete 25 valid trials without errors within the allotted period. For choice reaction time assessment, have the participant place both index fingers on the touch and hold buttons, and have the participant lift the digit that corresponds with the side on which the green light was presented.Tapping the green light as quickly as possible without moving the finger on the side of the scion destructor light. Observe the participant completing the practice trial, insuring that they understand the directions, and are able to complete the task within the allotted 100 to 750 milliseconds. Then observe the participant complete 25 valid trials without errors within the allotted time.For the processing speed test, initiate the test, and instruct the participant to read the instructions provided on the sample testing screen. And to use the symbol key on the top of the screen to complete the test below the symbol key. Inform the participant that a new row of symbols will appear once the existing row is completed, and that they should continue to enter corresponding digits until prompted to stop for the entire two minutes of the trial.After reminding the participant that they cannot correct an incorrect response, and to complete each response as quickly and accurately as possible, press the begin test button to initiate the test. And confirm that the participant is performing the test correctly. For trail-making Test A, instruct the participant to read the instructions on the screen, describing the test as a connect the dots test in which 25 circles corresponding with digits one through 25, must be connected using the provided stylus.After having the participant complete a practice trial, press begin test to begin the trial. And confirm that the correct procedures are followed. For trail-making Test B, instruct the participant to read the instructions on the screen, describing the test as a connect the dots test in which 25 circles corresponding with digits and letters must be connected with the stylus.And instruct the participant to begin with the number one followed by the letter A, alternating with consecutive numbers and letters until all 25 dots have been connected. At the end of the practice trial, press begin test, and observe the participant completing the test, confirming that correct procedures are followed. When all of the trials have been completed, a radar plot of all of the Cleveland Clinic Concussion application modules can be generated.Here, detailed demographics of the 181 injured participants from this representative trial are shown. The data were stratified into two groups, those who recovered within three weeks of injury, and those who were still symptomatic three weeks after injury. When comparing the first post-injury assessments, a significant difference was observed between the two groups for the simple reaction time, choice reaction time, trail-making test B, and for two of the six balance error scoring system stances for quantifying postural sway.Suggesting that participants who remained symptomatic performed significantly worse on the C3 modules, measuring information processing, executive function, set switching, and postural stability. Importantly, the participants performed comparably on all modules at baseline, and difference were only observed at follow-up suggesting that the modules are effective in detecting changes in neurologic function as a result of concussive injury. It's important to understand where each student athlete is struggling, so we can refer them to specialists who can actively work on improving their symptoms and deficits.Several of these tests service screening tools to prevent stagnant care, and insure that we can get these student athletes to their right providers in a timely manner. The advantage of this system is that it brings multiple providers, and the patient and their family onto the same page using data. These objective data help guide return to play decision making, as well as next steps for those individuals who may not be recovering.

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Research

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Medicine

An Investigation of the Effects of Sports-related Concussion in Youth Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Head Impact Telemetry System

One of the most commonly reported injuries in children who participate in sports is concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)1. Children and youth involved in organized sports such as competitive hockey are nearly six times more likely to suffer a severe concussion compared to children involved in other leisure physical activities2. While the most common cognitive sequelae of mTBI appear similar for children and adults, the recovery profile and breadth of consequences in children remains largely unknown2, as does the influence of pre-injury characteristics (e.g. gender) and injury details (e.g. magnitude and direction of impact) on long-term outcomes. Competitive sports, such as hockey, allow the rare opportunity to utilize a pre-post design to obtain pre-injury data before concussion occurs on youth characteristics and functioning and to relate this to outcome following injury. Our primary goals are to refine pediatric concussion diagnosis and management based on research evidence that is specific to children and youth. To do this we use new, multi-modal and integrative approaches that will:
 1.Evaluate the immediate effects of head trauma in youth 
2.Monitor the resolution of post-concussion symptoms (PCS) and cognitive performance during recovery 
3.Utilize new methods to verify brain injury and recovery
To achieve our goals, we have implemented the Head Impact Telemetry (HIT) System. (Simbex; Lebanon, NH, USA). This system equips commercially available Easton S9 hockey helmets (Easton-Bell Sports; Van Nuys, CA, USA) with single-axis accelerometers designed to measure real-time head accelerations during contact sport participation 3 - 5. By using telemetric technology, the magnitude of acceleration and location of all head impacts during sport participation can be objectively detected and recorded. We also use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to localize and assess changes in neural activity specifically in the medial temporal and frontal lobes during the performance of cognitive tasks, since those are the cerebral regions most sensitive to concussive head injury 6. Finally, we are acquiring structural imaging data sensitive to damage in brain white matter.

This article provides an overview of a multi-modal approach to mild traumatic brain injury diagnosis and recovery in youth. This approach combines neuropsychological testing with functional magnetic resonance imaging and the Head Impact Telemetry System to monitor the relationship between head impacts and brain activity during cognitive testing.

One of the most commonly reported injuries in children who participate in sports is concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)1. Children and youth ...

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care

The Institute of Medicine has targeted patient-centeredness as an important area of quality improvement. A major dimension of patient-centeredness is respect for patient's values, preferences, and expressed needs. Yet specific approaches to gaining this understanding and translating it to quality care in the clinical setting are lacking. From a patient perspective quality is not a simple concept but is best understood in terms of five dimensions: technical outcomes; decision-making efficiency; amenities and convenience; information and emotional support; and overall patient satisfaction. Failure to consider quality from this five-pronged perspective results in a focus on medical outcomes, without considering the processes central to quality from the patient's perspective and vital to achieving good outcomes. In this paper, we argue for applying the concept of fair process in clinical settings. Fair process involves using a collaborative approach to exploring diagnostic issues and treatments with patients, explaining the rationale for decisions, setting expectations about roles and responsibilities, and implementing a core plan and ongoing evaluation. Fair process opens the door to bringing patient expertise into the clinical setting and the work of developing health care goals and strategies. This paper provides a step by step illustration of an innovative visual approach, called photovoice or photo-elicitation, to achieve fair process in clinical work with acquired brain injury survivors and others living with chronic health conditions. Applying this visual tool and methodology in the clinical setting will enhance patient-provider communication; engage patients as partners in identifying challenges, strengths, goals, and strategies; and support evaluation of progress over time. Asking patients to bring visuals of their lives into the clinical interaction can help to illuminate gaps in clinical knowledge, forge better therapeutic relationships with patients living with chronic conditions such as brain injury, and identify patient-centered goals and possibilities for healing. The process illustrated here can be used by clinicians, (primary care physicians, rehabilitation therapists, neurologists, neuropsychologists, psychologists, and others) working with people living with chronic conditions such as acquired brain injury, mental illness, physical disabilities, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, or post-traumatic stress, and by leaders of support groups for the types of patients described above and their family members or caregivers.

This paper illustrates an innovative visual approach (photovoice or photo-elicitation) to achieve fair process in clinical care for patients living with chronic health conditions, illuminate gaps in clinical knowledge, forge better therapeutic relationships, and identify patient-centered goals and possibilities for healing.

The Institute of Medicine has targeted patient-centeredness as an important area of quality improvement. A major dimension of patient-centeredness is ...

Development of an Audio-based Virtual Gaming Environment to Assist with Navigation Skills in the Blind

Audio-based Environment Simulator (AbES) is virtual environment software designed to improve real world navigation skills in the blind. Using only audio based cues and set within the context of a video game metaphor, users gather relevant spatial information regarding a building's layout. This allows the user to develop an accurate spatial cognitive map of a large-scale three-dimensional space that can be manipulated for the purposes of a real indoor navigation task. After game play, participants are then assessed on their ability to navigate within the target physical building represented in the game. Preliminary results suggest that early blind users were able to acquire relevant information regarding the spatial layout of a previously unfamiliar building as indexed by their performance on a series of navigation tasks. These tasks included path finding through the virtual and physical building, as well as a series of drop off tasks. We find that the immersive and highly interactive nature of the AbES software appears to greatly engage the blind user to actively explore the virtual environment. Applications of this approach may extend to larger populations of visually impaired individuals.

Audio-based Environment Simulator (AbES) is virtual environment software designed to improve real world navigation skills in the blind.

Audio-based Environment Simulator (AbES) is virtual environment software designed to improve real world navigation skills in the blind. Using only audio ...

Collecting Saliva and Measuring Salivary Cortisol and Alpha-amylase in Frail Community Residing Older Adults via Family Caregivers

Salivary measures have emerged in bio-behavioral research that are easy-to-collect, minimally invasive, and relatively inexpensive biologic markers of stress. This article we present the steps for collection and analysis of two salivary assays in research with frail, community residing older adults-salivary cortisol and salivary alpha amylase. The field of salivary bioscience is rapidly advancing and the purpose of this presentation is to provide an update on the developments for investigators interested in integrating these measures into research on aging. Strategies are presented for instructing family caregivers in collecting saliva in the home, and for conducting laboratory analyses of salivary analytes that have demonstrated feasibility, high compliance, and yield quality specimens. The protocol for sample collection includes: (1) consistent use of collection materials; (2) standardized methods that promote adherence and minimize subject burden; and (3) procedures for controlling certain confounding agents. We also provide strategies for laboratory analyses include: (1) saliva handling and processing; (2) salivary cortisol and salivary alpha amylase assay procedures; and (3) analytic considerations.

We demonstrate: (1) procedures for collection of salivary samples in cognitive impaired older adults by family caregivers in the home setting, (2) procedures for measuring stress activity via salivary cortisol and alpha amylase, and (3) representative profiles. Protocols that allow researchers to study stress-linked processes advance our understanding of biological sensitivity and susceptibility.

Salivary measures have emerged in bio-behavioral research  that are easy-to-collect, minimally invasive, and relatively inexpensive  biologic markers of ...

Clinical Assessment of Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Patients and Older Adults

Spatial and temporal characteristics of human walking are frequently evaluated to identify possible gait impairments, mainly in orthopedic and neurological patients1-4, but also in healthy older adults5,6. The quantitative gait analysis described in this protocol is performed with a recently-introduced photoelectric system (see&#160;Materials table) which has the potential to be used in the clinic because it is portable, easy to set up (no subject preparation is required before a test), and does not require maintenance and sensor calibration. The photoelectric system consists of series of high-density floor-based photoelectric cells with light-emitting and light-receiving diodes that are placed parallel to each other to create a corridor, and are oriented perpendicular to the line of progression7. The system simply detects interruptions in light signal, for instance due to the presence of feet within the recording area. Temporal gait parameters and 1D spatial coordinates of consecutive steps are subsequently calculated to provide common gait parameters such as step length, single limb support and walking velocity8, whose validity against a criterion instrument has recently been demonstrated7,9. The measurement procedures are very straightforward; a single patient can be tested in less than 5 min&#160;and a comprehensive report can be generated in less than 1&#160;min.

This protocol is used to evaluate spatial and temporal gait variables of neurological/orthopedic patients and older persons by means of a recently-introduced floor-based photocell system.

Spatial and temporal characteristics of human walking are frequently evaluated to identify possible gait impairments, mainly in orthopedic and ...

A Multi-Modal Approach to Assessing Recovery in Youth Athletes Following Concussion

Concussion is one of the most commonly reported injuries amongst children and youth involved in sport participation. Following a concussion, youth can experience a range of short and long term neurobehavioral symptoms (somatic, cognitive and emotional/behavioral) that can have a significant impact on one&#8217;s participation in daily activities and pursuits of interest (e.g., school, sports, work, family/social life, etc.). Despite this, there remains a paucity in clinically driven research aimed specifically at exploring concussion within the youth sport population, and more specifically, multi-modal approaches to measuring recovery. This article provides an overview of a novel and multi-modal approach to measuring recovery amongst youth athletes following concussion. The presented approach involves the use of both pre-injury/baseline testing and post-injury/follow-up testing to assess performance across a wide variety of domains (post-concussion symptoms, cognition, balance, strength, agility/motor skills and resting state heart rate variability). The goal of this research is to gain a more objective and accurate understanding of recovery following concussion in youth athletes (ages 10-18 years). Findings from this research can help to inform the development and use of improved approaches to concussion management and rehabilitation specific to the youth sport community.

This article provides an overview of a multi-modal approach to assessing recovery following concussion in youth athletes. The described protocol uses pre- and post-concussion assessment of performance across a wide variety of domains and can inform the development of improved concussion rehabilitation protocols specific to the youth sport community.

Concussion is one of the most commonly reported injuries amongst children and youth involved in sport participation. Following a concussion, youth can ...

Autonomic Function Following Concussion in Youth Athletes: An Exploration of Heart Rate Variability Using 24-hour Recording Methodology

Participation in organized sports makes a significant contribution to youth development, but places youth at a higher risk for sustaining a concussion. To date, return-to-activity decision-making has been anchored in the monitoring of self-reported concussion symptoms and neurocognitive testing. However, multi-modal assessments that corroborate objective physiological measures with traditional subjective symptom reporting are needed and can be valuable. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive physiological indicator of the autonomic nervous system, capturing the reciprocal interplay between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. There is a dearth of literature exploring the effect of concussion on HRV in youth athletes, and developmental differences preclude the application of adult findings to a pediatric population. Further, the current state of HRV methodology has primarily included short-term (5-15 min) recordings, by using resting state or short-term physical exertion testing to elucidate changes following concussion. The novelty in utilizing a 24 h&#160;recording methodology is that it has the potential to capture natural variation in autonomic function, directly related to the activities a youth athlete performs on a regular basis. Within a prospective, longitudinal research setting, this novel approach to quantifying autonomic function can provide important information regarding the recovery trajectory, alongside traditional self-report symptom measures. Our objectives regarding a 24 h recording methodology were to (1) evaluate the physiological effects of a concussion in youth athletes, and (2) describe the trajectory of physiological change, while considering the resolution of self-reported post-concussion symptoms. To achieve these objectives, non-invasive sensor technology was implemented. The raw beat-to-beat time intervals captured can be transformed to derive time domain and frequency domain measures, which reflect an individual&#39;s ability to adapt and be flexible to their ever-changing environment. By using non-invasive heart rate technology, autonomic function can be quantified outside of a traditional controlled research setting.

We demonstrate a 24 h heart rate recording methodology to evaluate the influence of concussion across the recovery trajectory in youth athletes, within an ecologically valid context.

Participation in organized sports makes a significant contribution to youth development, but places youth at a higher risk for sustaining a concussion. To ...

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults

Oral health is an often-undervalued contributor to overall health. The literature, however, underscores the myriad of systemic diseases influenced by oral health, including type II diabetes, heart disease, and atherosclerosis. Thus, assessments of oral health, called oral screenings, have a significant role in assessing risk of disease, managing disease, and even improving disease by oral care. Here we present a method to assess oral health quickly and consistently across time. The protocol is simple enough for non-oral health professionals such as students, family, and caregivers. Useful for any age of patient, the method is particularly key for older individuals who are often at risk of inflammation and chronic disease. Components of the method include existing oral health assessment scales and inventories, which are combined to produce a comprehensive assessment of oral health. Thus, oral characteristics assessed include intraoral and extraoral structures, soft and hard tissues, natural and artificial teeth, plaque, oral functions such as swallowing, and the impact this oral health status has on the patient&#39;s quality of life. Advantages of this method include its inclusion of measures and perceptions of both the observer and patient, and its ability to track changes in oral health over time. Results acquired are quantitative totals of questionnaire and oral screening items, which can be summed for an oral health status score. The scores of successive oral screenings can be used to track the progression of oral health across time and guide recommendations for both oral and overall health care.

The goal of this protocol is to enable non-dental professionals to assess oral health status for research or health-screening purposes. Aspects assessed include lips, tongue, soft and hard tissues, natural and artificial teeth, oral cleanliness, plaque, swallowing, and impact of oral health on quality of life.

Oral health is an often-undervalued contributor to overall health. The literature, however, underscores the myriad of systemic diseases influenced by oral ...

Evaluation of Capnography Sampling Line Compatibility and Accuracy when Used with a Portable Capnography Monitor

Capnography is commonly used to monitor patient&#8217;s ventilatory status. While sidestream capnography has been shown to provide a reliable assessment of end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2), its accuracy is commonly validated using commercial kits composed of a capnography monitor and its matching disposable nasal cannula sampling lines. The purpose of this study was to assess the compatibility and accuracy of cross-paired capnography sampling lines with a single portable bedside capnography monitor. A series of 4 bench tests were performed to evaluate the tensile strength, rise time, ETCO2 accuracy as a function of respiratory rate, and ETCO2 accuracy in the presence of supplemental O2. Each bench test was performed using specialized, validated equipment to allow for a full evaluation of sampling line performance. The 4 bench tests successfully differentiated between sampling lines from different commercial sources and suggested that due to increased rise time and decreased ETCO2 accuracy, not all nasal cannula sampling lines provide reliable clinical data when cross-paired with a commercial capnography monitor. Care should be taken to ensure that any cross-pairing of capnography monitors and disposable sampling lines is fully validated for use across respiratory rates and supplemental O2 flow rates commonly encountered in clinical settings.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of capnography sampling lines used in conjunction with a portable bedside capnography monitor. Sampling lines from 7 manufacturers were evaluated for tensile strength, rise time, and ETCO2 accuracy as a function of respiratory rate or supplemental oxygen flow rate.

Capnography is commonly used to monitor patient&#8217;s ventilatory status. While sidestream capnography has been shown to provide a reliable assessment ...

Development and Evaluation of 3D-Printed Cardiovascular Phantoms for Interventional Planning and Training

Catheter-based interventions are standard treatment options for cardiovascular pathologies. Therefore, patient-specific models could help training physicians&#39; wire-skills as well as improving planning of interventional procedures. The aim of this study was to develop a manufacturing process of patient-specific 3D-printed models for cardiovascular interventions.
To create a 3D-printed elastic phantom, different 3D-printing materials were compared to porcine biological tissues (i.e., aortic tissue) in terms of mechanical characteristics. A fitting material was selected based on comparative tensile tests and specific material thicknesses were defined. Anonymized contrast-enhanced CT-datasets were collected retrospectively. Patient-specific volumetric models were extracted from these datasets and subsequently 3D-printed. A pulsatile flow loop was constructed to simulate the intraluminal blood flow during interventions. Models&#39; suitability for clinical imaging was assessed by x-ray imaging, CT, 4D-MRI and (Doppler) ultrasonography. Contrast medium was used to enhance visibility in x-ray-based imaging. Different catheterization techniques were applied to evaluate the 3D-printed phantoms in physicians&#39; training as well as for pre-interventional therapy planning.
Printed models showed a high printing resolution (~30 &#181;m) and mechanical properties of the chosen material were comparable to physiological biomechanics. Physical and digital models showed high anatomical accuracy when compared to the underlying radiological dataset. Printed models were suitable for ultrasonic imaging as well as standard x-rays. Doppler ultrasonography and 4D-MRI displayed flow patterns and landmark characteristics (i.e., turbulence, wall shear stress) matching native data. In a catheter-based laboratory setting, patient-specific phantoms were easy to catheterize. Therapy planning and training of interventional procedures on challenging anatomies (e.g., congenital heart disease (CHD)) was possible.
Flexible patient-specific cardiovascular phantoms were 3D-printed, and the application of common clinical imaging techniques was possible. This new process is ideal as a training tool for catheter-based (electrophysiological) interventions and can be used in patient-specific therapy planning.

Here we present development of a mock circulation setup for multimodal therapy evaluation, pre-interventional planning, and physician-training on cardiovascular anatomies. With the application of patient-specific tomographic scans, this setup is ideal for therapeutic approaches, training, and education in individualized medicine.