Background: Concussions, often resulting from sports-related injuries, falls, or accidents, can lead to persistent symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, cognitive deficits, and emotional disturbances. The Alfred Health Concussion Clinic was established to improve patients’ access to rehabilitation services. It is a newly developed service (opened 2024) supporting Victorians who have experienced an acute concussion in the last 6 months.
Aim: The primary aim of the clinic is to provide evidence-based assessment and intervention across multiple allied health disciplines. This paper describes the clinical needs and presenting features of Victorian concussion patients.
Method: The clinic integrates clinical psychology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology and neurology, providing goal directed therapy to address functional impact, and return to work/learn, drive, play, and life. Intake measures include self-rating of post-concussion symptoms, sleep, depression and anxiety and clinical assessment of cognition, fatigue, balance, and language.
Results: Fifty-one patients registered (median age 35 (IQR 26 to 55) years, male 59%), median 26 days since concussion (IQR 20 to 33 days) from 05/01/2024 – 05/07/2024. Top 3 clinical needs were occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech pathology. Patients benefit from a holistic approach that integrates these disciplines. Treatment plans are personalised, addressing individual needs and goals. The clinic emphasises gradual return to daily activities, considering both physical and cognitive demands.
Conclusion: Specialised interdisciplinary clinics play a pivotal role in advancing concussion care, fostering resilience, and improving long-term outcomes. Future research should explore technology-based interventions, patient-reported outcomes, and innovative approaches to enhance recovery.