Concussion coach app

An app for people who have had a mild to moderate concussion or brain injury.
Note: This app appears to no longer be available in the New Zealand app stores.
Concussion coach By US Dept of Veterans Affairs
Features
  • Education and information
  • Self-assessment questionnaire 
  • Self-help tools
  • Symptom tracking

 
Clinical review

Non-sports concussion




Sports concussion




Read a clinical review of this app.
User reviews

Cost Free

What does the app do?

This app is designed for people who have had a mild to moderate concussion or brain injury. The app is divided into 5 main sections:

  • Learn: has comprehensive information about concussion including its symptoms and treatment
  • Self-Assessment: enables users to track their symptoms and do a screening to ascertain the severity of the symptoms
  • Manage the Moment: has a range of coping tools and symptom management options
  • Build Resilience: comprises a wellness journal and goal recording
  • Resources and Support: links mainly to US-based resources and supports.

Although this app, created by US Dept of Veterans Affairs, is mainly for veterans, it can be used by anyone who has had a mild to moderate concussion or brain injury. This app is best used alongside advice from a healthcare professional. For a detailed review, see Reviews.

PROS CONS 

✔ Developed by subject matter experts.  

✔ Concussion screening questionnaire.

✔ Users can assess and track symptoms using the neurobehavioural symptom inventory (NSI). You can set reminders to monitor progress.

✔ Multiple guided visual and/or auditory tools such as progressive muscle relaxation, mindful breathing, etc.

✔ Multiple tips on distraction, perspective changing, grounding, sleep and pleasant activities.

✔ Link your own soothing audio and pictures for using in times of distress.

✔ Tools are integrated through the “manage this moment” tab where you select a symptom that is bothering you and it suggests a tool.

✘ Some of the educational information was a bit sparse. Of note is there was no information on concussion in its relation to sport, especially with regards to gradual return to play.

✘ The interface is a bit clunky, not particularly visually appealing and it can be difficult to find some of the tools.

✘ Other than bug fixes, the app has not had any significant updates since 2013.

Privacy and security

The app does not appear to collect any identifiable data but Veterans Affairs does collect anonymous usage data. Read more about things you can do to improve your safety and security when using apps.

Review details

Date of review: November 2018
Platform reviewed: Android
Version: 1.0.26
Download size: 42.31 MB
Updated on: 28/06/2018

Learn more

This app has been reviewed by other independent websites:

Concussion Coach app is a useful educational tool for patients, with some caveats(external link) iMedicalApps, 2017

Related topics

Consumer guide: how to choose a health app
Clinicians guide: how to choose a health app
Concussion apps
Concussion
Brain injury support
NZ Health App Library

App developer
If you are the developer and would like to provide updated information about this app, please email the app library manager at applibrary@healthify.org.nz.

Disclaimer: Healthify’s app library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.

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Reviewed by: Jeremy Steinberg, GP, FRNZCGP

Last reviewed:

Page last updated: