Concussion pilot expansion article v2-1

Comms – Concussion Pilot Expansion ACC Primary care concussion pilot expansion Earlier this year, ACC launched a concussion pilot designed for use by clinicians working in general practice. Initially, the pilot was available with ProCare and Pegasus. ACC are now opening the pilot to other practices in the upper North Island and South Island who utilise MedTech practice software.

The pilot aims to improve outcomes for patients with a concussion, by supporting clinicians to assess and manage low risk concussion cases in primary care using a new standardised concussion management pathway.

The pathway provides clinicians with education and learning materials, as well as a standardised concussion assessment tool (the BIST) designed in partnership with AUT. The pathway assists GPs to quickly determine those who need referral to other services and those they can manage within primary care.

Feedback about the use of the pathway and BIST tool has been positive, with GPs saying that it is quick and easy to use and provides a clear process for treating concussion. The pathway has been helpful when facilitating conversations with patients to normalise symptoms or identify what is abnormal.

Education for patients and their whānau is also included in English, or Te Reo. This seeks to optimise the one-on-one GP consultation time. The education will ensure that patients and whānau understand how to manage their injury at home, as well as standardising education on concussion management nationwide.

The aim is to consistently support patients to get the right care at the right time and help them recover faster from their injury.

If you are interested in participating in the upper North Island, please register through ProCare concussion@procare.co.nz, or If you are in the Canterbury region, please register through Pegasus akshey.shukla@pegasus.health.nz, or All other regions please contact hart@acc.co.nz.