Perceptions Of An Interactive Concussion Education Platform Among Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets

Effective concussion educational intervention concerning the clinical presentation and the benefits of concussion care-seeking is essential to allow for timely identification and treatment of concussions among reserve officers’ training corps (ROTC) cadets. PURPOSE: Explore perceptions of a novel, interactive concussion education platform in ROTC cadets. METHODS: As a part of a larger study, participants viewed a theory-driven, decision-based, interactive concussion education intervention. The current study used a consensual qualitative research tradition grounded in phenomenology. 20 ROTC Cadets (7 males, 13 females; mean age 19.95 ± 1.96) were interviewed. Cadets were recruited via convenience sampling until data saturation was met. Semi-structured in-person interviews were transcribed verbatim. The interviews addressed platform perception. A four-person research team of novice and expert qualitative researchers coded data into themes and categories before meeting to attain consensus on coding accuracy and comprehensiveness. An internal auditor reviewed results. RESULTS: Interviews highlighted two key themes concerning the educational platform: 1) platform impressions and 2) education considerations. The platform impression theme included categories for visual content, verbal content, decision point, general impressions, perceived benefits, and enhancements. Cadets discussed the relatable and straightforward visual content portraying training scenarios. The platform was described as a catalyst to reinforce previously attained concussion knowledge and influence concussion knowledge in those newly exposed. Educational considerations included categories considering implementation, source, channel, and message. Cadets discussed the need and desire for concussion education to be captivating and military specific. The interactive component and military context of the platform allowed them to relate to the material in a way conducive to learning. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that interactive education platforms that consider the ROTC specific audience are favored by cadets. This highlights that concussion education should be engaging and inclusive to foster buy-in from the targeted audience.