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Table 1 Focus group discussion guide for study participants

From: What can family medicine providers learn about concussion non-disclosure from former collegiate athletes?

1.

What is a concussion?

Probe. What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?

2.

Have you ever experienced a concussion? Please describe.

Probe. Did a trainer/coach or physician diagnose you with a concussion?

Probe. Did you diagnose yourself?

Probe. What symptoms did you experience?

Probe. Did you miss any practice time or games?

3.

Have you ever hit heads with an opponent or teammate while playing your sport? Please describe.

Probe. How did you feel after it happened? How did you feel the next day?

Probe. Did you miss any practice time or games?

Probe. Did you think this could have been a concussion? Why or why not?

4.

If you have ever had a concussion, did you tell anyone at the time that it happened or did you hide it?

Probe. Why did you hide it? Please explain

5.

Did any of your teammates every have a concussion and hide it from a coach or trainer?

Probe: Why do you think they hid it? Please explain.

6.

Did you ever play your sport when you should not have because of a concussion or head injury? Please explain.

7.

What did the coach expect from you as a player if you had a concussion or head injury (diagnosed concussion or not diagnosed concussion?)

8.

How did you feel if a teammate did not play in a game because of a concussion or head injury?

9.

Did a coach/trainer ever tell you to play even if you had a concussion or head injury?

10.

Did a parent ever tell you to play even if you had a concussion or head injury?

11.

Did fear of getting a concussion affect how you played the game?

12.

Is there a stigma in your sport about concussions? If so, what is it?

 

Probe. Do you think this differs by gender?

13.

What advice would you give current athletes playing your sport about concussions?

14.

What advice would you give coaches, physicians, and parents about concussions?