Concussion Essentials Clinic implementation project

Project status: Active

Research area: Clinical Sciences > Brain and Mind > Concussion Research

Leading the way in paediatric concussion care and recovery

The clinical trial aims to evaluate the implementation of our concussion interventions within a new clinical service (Concussion Clinic), and to assess clinical outcomes.

A concussion clinic for children and adolescents ages 8-18 years

This clinical trial evaluates the implementation of concussion interventions within a new paediatric clinical service, the MCRI Concussion Essentials Clinic, and assesses clinical outcomes for children and adolescents.

Currently, concussion care in Victoria is fragmented. Families must navigate a complex system and find providers with varying levels of expertise. There is no centralised, evidence-based paediatric concussion clinic available, this trial aims to change that.

We use evidence-based treatments including education, strategies to help common symptoms, return to school and sports guidance, physiotherapy and psychology.

About the trial

This trial is based on research from the Melbourne Children’s Campus Concussion Research Program. It will deliver evidence-based interventions to:

Support recovery
Prevent persistent post-concussion symptoms (pPCS)
Treat ongoing symptoms

The clinic will use a treatment model that offers continuity of care after initial diagnosis in Emergency or Primary Care settings.

Our research focus

Our study will evaluate how well concussion interventions are implemented within the clinic model.

We will also assess the clinic’s effectiveness in achieving:

Reduction in post-concussive symptoms (PCS)
Full return to normal activities (school, sport, leisure)
Improved psychological outcomes.

Get involved

Eligibility

Children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 years (or 18 years if still in high school) who have recently suffered a concussion are eligible.

Where are sessions held?

Treatment sessions are held at the The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), Melbourne. Face-to-face and telehealth appointments available

Participant pathways

Treatment depends on how long it's been since the participant’s injury:

Less than 2 weeks post-injury: Participants will be asked to download and use the Concussion Essentials (HeadCheck) app. If symptoms persist at 14–21 days, they will begin treatment at the clinic.
More than 2 weeks post-injury: Participants will start treatment at the clinic immediately.

Note: Persistent post-concussion symptoms (pPCS) are defined as symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks after injury.