🎙 Closing the Gap in Concussion Care — Featuring Dr. Becky Bliss on The EdDPT Podcast

We’re thrilled to share that Dr. Becky Bliss was recently featured on The EdDPT Podcast to discuss the timely and critical topic: "Closing the Gap: Ed + Concussion Care Needs Physical Therapy." In this episode, Dr. Bliss breaks down how physical therapists can lead the charge in transforming concussion care—especially when it comes to early identification, education, and access to treatment.

👉 Listen to the episode here: https://theeddpt.com/closing-the-gap-ed-concussion-care-needs-physical-therapy/

🎧 Episode Highlights:

• Why concussion education for rehab professionals is more essential than ever

• Challenges of access and fragmentation in concussion care

• The role of PTs in acute management and long-term recovery

• How direct access can improve outcomes and satisfaction in both pediatric and adult populations

📌 Take-Home Insights from Recent Research
A recent study titled "Feasibility of Direct-Access Physical Therapy for Concussion Management in the Pediatric Emergency Department" reinforces Dr. Bliss’s message. Here are a few powerful takeaways:

✅ Improved Patient Satisfaction
Children who received concussion care from both a pediatric physical therapist and emergency physician had significantly higher parental satisfaction—especially regarding family engagement and overall care experience.

✅ Better Documentation and Prognosis Planning
PT involvement led to more consistent documentation of prognostic indicators like prior health history, symptom severity, and postural assessments—supporting more accurate follow-up and recovery planning.

✅ Enhanced Education and Recall
Parents of children seen by PTs were more likely to recall receiving both discharge instructions and concussion education materials, boosting early self-management and understanding.

✅ Streamlined Access and Follow-Up
Despite slightly delayed MD consults, total ED stay was not longer. PT involvement was linked to higher rates of appropriate, early referrals to concussion specialty clinics—promoting better continuity of care.

✅ Feasibility for Broader Implementation
The study confirms that including PTs in emergency settings for concussion care is both feasible and impactful. Next steps call for broader implementation and more robust research using frameworks like RE-AIM.

Together, the podcast episode and this emerging research spotlight a transformative shift in concussion management—one where physical therapists are at the forefront of early intervention, education, and collaborative care.

If you are ready to jump right in to the Foundations of Concussion Management for the Rehab Professional, please select the link below!

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