What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted independent Google searches across Canadian provinces and territories to identify and critically appraise online concussion healthcare providers and their advertised services.
What They Found
They identified 58 concussion healthcare providers in Canada, with only 40% listing an on-site medical doctor and 47% advertising access to a concussion clinic. Services offered included baseline testing (67%) and physiotherapy (50%), but some clinics were operated by professionals with varying training levels and practices that did not conform to current guidelines.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients seeking concussion care online may encounter a wide range of providers with varying levels of medical oversight and expertise. It is important for patients to carefully evaluate the qualifications of providers and the services offered to ensure they align with established medical guidelines.
Canadian Relevance
This study directly addresses the unregulated nature of concussion care in Canada, providing a critical appraisal of online providers across all Canadian provinces and territories.
Study Limitations
The study's findings are based solely on information advertised on providers' websites, which may not fully reflect the actual scope or quality of care provided.