The Feasibility of Using Comic-Based Concussion Discharge Instructions

Gauging Likeability and Knowledge Improvement Among Adolescents and Parents

Abstract

Objective 

The objective of this study was to evaluate feasibility of supplementing emergency department (ED) concussion discharge instructions for adolescents and parents with a newly created educational comic and a publicly available comic-based video at an outpatient sports neurology clinic.

Methods 

We created a gender-neutral, 2-page comic to augment text-only ED concussion discharge instructions. A sample of patients evaluated at a sports neurology clinic and their parents/guardians participated. Patients and their parents were randomized to view either the comic only or both the comic and publicly available comic-based video. Patients and parents completed preintervention and postintervention surveys to assess likeability and concussion knowledge including concussion definition, symptoms, return-to-ED criteria, and resuming normal activity. Data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics.

Results 

A total of 57 patients (47.4% female; mean age, 15 years) and 37 guardians were enrolled. Most (73%) concussions were sports related, with the majority having sought care within 24 hours in an ED (80%). Over half (51%) had experienced 2 or more prior concussions. Overall, 31 adolescents and 20 guardians viewed both comic and video, whereas 26 adolescents and 17 guardians viewed the comic only. Both comic and video were favorably reviewed, but a higher proportion of respondents rated the video more positively than the comic for likability (P < 0.01), comprehensibility (P < 0.05), and increasing understanding (P < 0.05). Patients' knowledge of some concussion symptoms emphasized in the comic increased after reading (emotional changes, P = 0.02; vomiting, P = 0.04).

Conclusions 

Patients showed increased concussion knowledge using the favorably endorsed comic-based discharge instructions. Using comic-based supplemental discharge tools may optimize concussion education for adolescents.