Equity in concussion assessment: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ perspectives of standardised sport-related concussion assessment

BACKGROUND: The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) is widely used to evaluate suspected concussion, yet its cultural suitability for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples remains underexplored. METHODS: Guided by a social constructionist framework, this study examined perspectives on the SCAT5 through semi-structured yarns with community members in Perth, Western Australia. RESULTS: Reflexive thematic analysis of data identified concerns related to medical jargon, inconsistent terminology, reliance on written instructions and overall readability of the SCAT5. Participants underscored the importance of trust, clear explanations and culturally appropriate communication formats, such as pictorial or verbal information. CONCLUSIONS: Although the SCAT6 introduces some improvements, our findings highlight the need for community-endorsed, culturally valid adaptations in future iterations. Culturally responsive concussion assessment tools are essential to support accurate diagnosis, foster patient-clinician trust, and promote safer recovery pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.