Head Smart

HeadSmart™ is a recovery protocol developed by physicians and school nurses to facilitate a student’s healthy return to school and sports following a concussion. The protocol is designed to engage students — as well as their families, friends, health care providers, teachers and coaches — in the recovery process.

HeadSmart is the outcome of a unique collaboration among Scituate Pediatrics, Scituate High School and three South Shore Hospital programs: Sports Concussion Clinic, Youth Health Connection, and Reading Partnership.

HeadSmart outlines four color-coded stages of recovery that students experience after a concussion. The four stages help to create a common language and understanding among students, family members, friends, educators and health professionals throughout the recuperation process.

The HeadSmart handbook is an easy-to-use guide for middle, high school and college age students who have experienced a concussion. It is recommended that students review the handbook with family members, teachers, coaches and school health professionals. Handbook users will find:

• Information about concussions

• Descriptions of the four color-coded stages of recovery

• Resources, programs and additional readings for students, families and teachers

The handbook also includes a helpful tool called the Recovery Action Plan that can serve as a valuable checkpoint through each stage of recovery.

Click here for the HeadSmart Handbook (PDF file).