The UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program will host independent concussion clinicians and researchers from around the United States on Oct. 15-16 to work on developing standard practice and protocol to treat concussions.
The gathering, which is funded by the NFL Foundation, will bring the group of experts together to discuss Targeted Evaluation and Active Management (TEAM) Approaches to Treating Concussion, and then publish a 'white paper' which will be published in medical journals.
"There's a gaping need for a consistency of care for concussions across the country, if not the world," said Micky Collins, Ph.D. and executive and clinical director of the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program. "It is a privilege to bring together such a group, discuss the issues truly facing concussion health care today, and attempt to share with caregivers everywhere what we find to be the best evidence, science and practices in getting people better.
"We are looking forward to a wide-ranging, stimulating discussion that is overdue, and we feel our science, innovation and clinical experience make us well suited to serve as hosts."
The Steelers and the NFL have been at the forefront of supporting concussion research, and the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program receives funding from the Steelers Style Fashion Show for research that benefits athletes from youth football to professional players. The NFL and GE also presented a Head Health Initiative grant to researchers with the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Concussion Program in 2014 for their innovative work.
"Because of the vital nature of the concussion conversation, it's critical to support leading institutions in the country, like UPMC, that are promoting science in an effort to advance treatment, evidence and clinical experience," said Charlotte Jones Anderson, chair of the NFL Foundation. "The NFL Foundation is dedicated to improving the health and safety of sports, youth football and the communities in which we live, and we look forward to learning from the experts who will meet in October to further that mission."
