Educators' Perspectives of the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Appropriateness of the Buddy Program for Secondary School Students Post-Concussion.

BACKGROUND

Students want support from their peers to help them at school while they recover from concussion. Educators are responsible for implementing school-based programs, including peer support. We explored educators' perspectives of implementing a novel peer support program "Buddy Program" for students post-concussion.

METHODS

We conducted a mixed-methods feasibility case study to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the Buddy Program.

RESULTS

Thirty-two educators at two independent secondary schools completed the survey and seven educators participated in a follow-up interview. The Buddy Program was perceived to be feasible, appropriate, and acceptable to implement at school. Educators shared that access to social support and opportunities for student leadership, school culture and readiness, and considerations for adopting the Buddy Program affected program implementation.

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY: The Buddy Program is a feasible avenue for providing social and academic support to students following a concussion. The implementation of the Buddy Program can be considered for schools as part of a holistic approach to concussion management.

CONCLUSIONS

The Buddy Program aligns with school values and may be an avenue to support students returning to school following a concussion.