Concussion is the most common injury reported in Canadian children and youth, and concerns are growing about its long-term effects on brain health and overall wellbeing. Despite this, significant gaps remain in how concussions are prevented and managed — particularly for children in rural areas and communities that face barriers to healthcare access.
This fellowship, supported by Health Research BC, will fund a rigorous research program exploring whether telehealth — receiving medical care remotely using video or phone technology — can be just as effective as in-person care for children recovering from a concussion. Early evidence suggests that telehealth can deliver comparable outcomes while reducing the need for travel, which is especially important for families in remote parts of British Columbia.
The award funds will support the fellow in building the skills and research infrastructure needed to design and run a high-quality clinical trial comparing telehealth and in-person concussion follow-up in children and teens. This includes training in clinical trial methods, working alongside expert mentors in pediatric brain health, and partnering with patients and families to ensure research reflects real-world needs.
Importantly, the program will also invest in culturally appropriate approaches for Indigenous and equity-deserving communities, ensuring the research is inclusive and its benefits reach those who are most underserved.
Findings will be shared broadly — through scientific publications, community resources, and policy briefings — so that this research can directly improve how concussion care is delivered across Canada.