Professor Beth Armstrong, UDRH SW Director, joined ECU colleague Kerri Colegate on May 1st to present a national webinar hosted by Wungening Aboriginal Corporation on their recent research findings related to the concussion (mild traumatic brain injury) project AUS-mTBI.
The project is funded by the MRFF and aims to improve prediction of who will completely recover from concussion and who may have longer-lasting effects. Kerri and Beth lead the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander component of the project. As part of a national team, they have explored Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ experience of concussion and barriers and facilitators involved in recovery. They spoke to individuals and their family with lived experience of concussion as well as service providers – predominantly with experiences caused through either a sporting injury or from family/domestic violence.
Key themes included the importance of connection to Country and Elders, understanding of concussion and negative healthcare experiences involving racism. Participants highlighted the need for better screening, especially in domestic violence contexts and culturally responsive care and education initiatives.
For further information on the AUS-mTBI project please contact Beth at b.armstrong@ecu.edu.au
