Scott Ramsay

Pediatric Concussions in BC: Follow-up visits and Health Outcomes

Given the high incidence and burden of concussion, timely follow-up and management is crucial. After a concussion diagnosis, follow-up visits with a health care provider are important for reassessment, continued management and further education. The factors that influence the timeliness of the first follow-up visit post diagnosis are not well understood, nor is the relationship between timing of the follow-up visit and the length and severity of symptoms experienced.
Therefore, in this project I addressed three research objectives: (1) to explore the rates and timing of a first follow-up visit for children and youth with a concussive injury, (2) to identify factors associated with follow-up timing and (3) to investigate the effect of timing of the first follow-up visit on children's health after a concussion.
This descriptive, correlational study drew on linked, population-based administrative data from the province of British Columbia, Canada. The main measure in the study was timing of the first follow-up visit, which was measured as timely (within 28 days post-concussion diagnosis), delayed (29 days to 3 months) and no follow-up. Other study measures included age, sex, geographic residence, socioeconomic status, and type of health care provider at the index visit. Binary and multinomial logistic regression were the main analytic strategies used.

Enhancing Equity in Neurological Care for Children and Youth in BC

Neurological conditions are a major concern for children and youth. These conditions disrupt normal functions regulated by the nervous system due to injury, genetics and exposures. Pediatric neurological conditions impact well-being, affect mental health and impair development. Despite the reported prevalence of neurological conditions in Canada, disparities exist among children. Currently, there are no estimates of pediatric neurological conditions in BC and there is a lack of understanding of how this population accesses health care. To understand these gaps we will first explore the rates of neurological conditions in the BC pediatric population. Second, identify the barriers to accessing neurological care by (1) neurological condition, (2) access to a primary care provider, (3) timing of care, and (4) the social determinants of health. These objectives will inform the final theme, which seeks to investigate the implementation of nurse-led initiatives (i.e., assessment, education, intervention) for children waiting to access neurological care. This work will be equity-oriented, with a focus on underserved groups and include key stakeholders across BC, seeking to inform practice and create system level interventions.

Honours & Awards

UBC Outstanding Dissertation Award for PhD Student, School of Nursing (2023)

UBC Aboriginal Graduate Fellowship (2018-2022)

CIHR CGS-M (2018-2019)