30 June 2021 
 
Anthony Jordan 
[FYI request #15735 email] 
 
Tēnā koe Anthony  
 
 
Your Official Information Act request, reference: GOV-011672 
Thank you for your email of 10 June 2021, asking for the following information under the Official 
Information Act 1982 (the Act): 
 
1.  Estimate date for release of new and updated Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Guidelines  
2.  Sources thus far used to assist in compiling updated guidelines  
3.  What specific dedication of updated Guidelines will be used for Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain 
Injury 
 
Interpretation of your request  
We have interpreted your request as referring to the upcoming concussion primary care pathway pilot, 
which focuses on treatment for concussion and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).  
 
Concussion primary care pathway pilot 
The concussion primary care pathway pilot (the pilot) is estimated to go live before August 2021. The 
pilot is solely focussed on concussion and TBI client care and aims to offer consistent levels of client 
experience and education when seeking treatment for a concussion or TBI. It will also support the 
client’s General Practitioner with appropriate guidance to manage client needs safely in primary care, 
while directly referring those with more complex needs to appropriate care and reducing administrative 
delays.  
 
Multiple best practice sources have been used to build the pathway. This has included a range of 
concussion assessments used in general practice and NZ Rugby, several New Zealand and international 
based concussion studies, and the guidance of an expert advisory group with a range of experience in 
the concussion/TBI sector.  
 
The pilot will bring a new approach to the management and treatment of claims for concussion and mild 
TBIs. It aims to better understand and manage the referral from primary to secondary care, facilitating 
co-operation between clinicians and other groups in the delivery of client care, enabling health care 
professionals to monitor and improve health care practices for concussion and TBI clients.  
 
If you have any questions  
If you have any questions, you can email me at [email address]  
 
Nāku iti noa, nā 
 
Sasha Wood 
Manager Official Information Act Services 
Government Engagement & Support 

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