Digital Tools for Concussion Management in Community Sport: Evaluation of the Updated HeadCheck (Concussion Essentials) App

Concussion is a common injury in sport and the community, yet many individuals do not access timely or evidence-based management. Sideline recognition often relies on volunteers or non-medical individuals, and post-injury follow-up is inconsistent. The Concussion Essentials (CE) app, formerly HeadCheck, is a free, evidence-based tool designed to support sideline identification and management of sport related concussion. The app has been updated to include the integration of the revised Concussion Recognition Tool for non-medical users, an expanded 28-day recovery program, and tailored return-to-activity pathways informed by user symptom profiles. This retrospective analysis of 5983 new users between July 2024 and May 2025. generated 2348 incident reports. Mean number of days for app access of Return to School/Work support was 5.3 and physical activity module commencement was 4.0. There was a 16.9-day average between injury and commencing the return to play module. These results are consistent with contemporary published guidelines and indicate that the widespread app usage and engagement with CE, supports its utility as an accessible, evidence-based tool that bridges the gap between concussion knowledge and best-practice management in sport in community settings.