Comparison of Direct Entry and Face to Face Delivery of the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) Symptoms

Background: With an increase in sport-related concussions and heightened accessibility of technology, computer-based assessments via direct entry have become widely used among sports medicine professionals. However, the validity of direct entry as compared to face to face interviews on a common concussion assessment tool has not been examined.

Purpose: Thus, the aims of this study were 1) to compare the results of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) symptoms using direct entry and face to face interview protocols; 2) to assess for gender differences in reporting modalities.

Study Design: Cross-sectional.

Methods: Three hundred and eighty-five (N=385) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III student-athletes completed the study. Participants completed the SCAT symptoms via face to face interviews and a participant direct entry platform. Correlations and KAPPA statistics were used to compare the results of the assessment protocols.

Results: Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient ranged from r=0.189–0.775 (P<0.001) for the total group; r=0.142–0.788 (P<0.001) among males; and, r=0.093-0.743 (P<0.001) among females. KAPPA statistics for the total group, males and females, ranged from 0.089-0.620 (P<0.001), demonstrating poor-to-good strength.

Conclusion: Overall, these findings suggest that the direct entry platform is an acceptable mechanism for data collection, particularly in female populations.