O'Hagan, Fergal FO

Past research on parents' knowledge of concussion has shown that they understand the severity and consequences associated with the injury but have existing gaps in their knowledge for its management. This is a cause for concern due to the critical role parents play in their child's management process. This present study sought to address this area of concern with semi- structured focus groups to gain an insight on parents' perceptions and experiences with concussion management and an alternative method of care - neuropsychological baseline testing. What emerged from the focus groups was the core theme of navigating uncertainty. This theme encompassed the participants perceptions and experiences with having to take on the role of managing their child's concussion without a complete understanding of the management process. It incorporated aspects of injury diagnosis, methods of management, communication among stakeholders within the sporting community, the influence of concussion policy and parents' perceptions of neuropsychological baseline testing in the management process. A model was constructed to display the factors that influenced and guided parents' engagement with neuropsychological baseline testing.

Author Keywords: Communication, Concussion, Diagnosis, Management, Neuropsychological Baseline Testing, Uncertainty