A Curtin University-led national consortium is developing an online tool to enhance care and outcomes for Australians, including older adults, who suffer mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) or concussions.
The project, led by John Curtin Distinguished Professor Melinda Fitzgerald, aims to identify predictors of recovery and create improved app-based resources to recommend better care pathways.
Falls are a leading cause of concussions, particularly among older adults. This issue is critical and reflected in the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program.
Prof Fitzgerald highlights the difficulty in diagnosing concussions in older adults, who may not report symptoms due to fear of losing independence or misunderstanding their health condition.
“While most people recover fully within a few days to weeks after a concussion injury, for some, the recovery process may be longer – but currently there is no way to anticipate recovery timeframes for individuals. Even mild cases can have long-lasting negative impacts on people, their families, and society. A person’s medical care is often hindered by poor predictions of those at risk of delayed recovery and the inconsistent use of effective treatment and care, so our program, the AUS-mTBI study using the HeadCheck app, is seeking to address those potential risk factors,” Prof Fitzgerald added.
The AUS-mTBI study, utilising the HeadCheck app, seeks to address these challenges. HeadCheck is a validated, evidence-based app that helps users recognise concussions and manage recovery. The app’s design facilitates communication between patients, carers, and health providers, making it accessible to people of all ages.
Older Australians, their families, and aged care providers can input data into HeadCheck and receive personalised support. Follow-up occurs through the user’s preferred online platform, where they complete a concussion symptom questionnaire at various time points after the injury. The data collected will be analysed using machine learning to predict outcomes and develop a more personalized approach to care.
Anita Westera, Vice President of the Australian Association of Gerontology, emphasised the importance of the HeadCheck app, noting its potential to empower older adults and improve outcomes by targeting interventions based on predicted recovery trajectories.
Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Medical Research Future Fund, the project involves experts in clinical care, online platform design, and machine learning.
The expanded HeadCheck app is available for free on iTunes, Google Play, and via the web at www.headcheck.com.au
