TBI & Concussion Assessment Smartphone Application to Ensure Unit Readiness

The Problem: The Department of Defense has a critical enterprise-wide need for acute concussion assessment and management, specifically on the battlefield.  Methods: HHITT conducted a feasibility study to identify a USAF Customer and End User and utilized gap analysis to determine enhancements to its commercial concussion assessment tool, HitCheck, that are needed to help solve The Problem. Additional research and conversations with USAF Customer/End User identified the necessary technology redevelopment to meet their goals of a mobile, flexible concussion assessment management platform. The Solution: HHITT will research, develop, test, and evaluate an innovative concussion assessment smartphone application to assist military health care providers (HCPs) assess and manage TBI and concussions in Airmen and aid in return to duty decisions. We will develop this new technology from our research as identified by the End User that correlates to the need to improve the assessment of TBI and concussion in Airmen.  The developed technology will assist HCPs in making return to duty decisions – an identified important role in contributing to unit readiness and long-term brain health.