1. Health Care Organization and Administration in Athletic Training

2. System of Healthcare Management
Strategic Plan Development
Determine why there is need for such a program
Determine function of program and what the goals should be
Decision of administrators will determine extent of health care program in athletic training
Develop written mission statement to focus direction of program

3. Strategic Plan Development (cont.)
Strategic plan development must include administrators, other allied healthcare providers, student-athletes, coaches, physicians, athletic trainers, parents and community health leaders

4. Development of Policy & Procedures Manual
Creation of policies and procedures for all involved in health care
Policies = clear written out statements of basic rules
Critical element for operation of athletic training clinic
Procedures = describe the process

5. Issues Specific to Athletic Training Program Operations
Scope of Program
Who will be served by program?
Athlete: to what extent and what services will be rendered (systemic illness, musculoskeletal injuries)
Institution: who else can be served medically and educationally and what are the legalities
Community: outside group and community organizations with legalities again being an issue

6. Providing Coverage Facility Personnel Coverage Sports Coverage
Appropriate coverage of facility and sports
Setup of treatments, rehabilitation, game and practice coverage vary
Sports Coverage
Certified athletic trainer should attend all practices and games
Different institutions have different levels of coverage based on personnel and risks involved with sports

7. Hygiene and Sanitation
Athletic Training Clinic
Rules concerning room cleanliness and sanitation must be set and made known to population using facility
Operation should abide by policies set forth by OSHA
Examples
No equipment/cleats in the athletic training room
Shoes off treatment tables
Shower prior to treatment
No roughhousing or profanity
No food or smokeless tobacco

8. Division of responsibilities Maintenance crew
Cleaning responsibilities should be addressed appropriately by athletic training staff and custodial staff
Division of responsibilities
Maintenance crew
Sweep floors daily, clean and disinfect sinks and tubs, mop hydrotherapy room, empty waste baskets
Athletic Training staff
Clean treatment tables, disinfect hydrotherapy modalities daily, clean equipment regularly

9. Gymnasium (general issues concerning facility and equipment cleanliness)
Cleaning of gymnasium floors
Drinking fountain and shower/locker facility disinfecting
Mats cleaned daily (wrestling)
Equipment and clothing
Proper fitting equipment
Frequent clothing and equipment laundering
Appropriate equipment for weather conditions
Use of clean dry towels and equipment daily

10. Athlete Promotion of good health and hygiene is critical
Prompt injury and illness reporting
Follow good living habits
Showering after practice
Avoid sharing clothes and towels
Exhibit good hygiene practices
Avoid common drinking sources
Avoid contact with athletes with contagious disease or infection
Understand the role exercise can play in maintaining a healthy lifestyle

11. Emergency Telephones
Accessibility to phones in all major areas of activity is a must
Should be able to contact outside emergency help and be able to call for additional athletic training assistance
Radios, cell and digital phones provide a great deal of flexibility

12. Budgetary Concerns Size of budget
Different settings = different size budgets and space allocations
Equipment needs and supplies vary depending on the setting (college vs. secondary school)
Continuous planning and prioritizing is necessary to effectively manage monetary allocations to meet programmatic goals

13. Supplies Expendable Non-expendable
Involves supplies that cannot be reused- first aid and injury prevention supplies
Non-expendable
Re-useable supplies - ace wraps, scissors…etc)
Yearly inventory and records must be maintained in both areas

14. Equipment Items that can be used for a number of years
Capital (remain in the athletic training facility including ice machine, tables)
Non-consumable capital (crutches, coolers, athletic training kits)

15. Additional Budget Considerations
Purchasing Systems
Direct buy vs. competitive bidding
Lease alternative
Additional Budget Considerations
Telephone and postage expenses
Utilities – heating/cooling, electricity
Contracts for outside services
Purchases relative to liability insurance and professional development

16. Developing a Risk Management Plan
Security Issues
Accessibility to athletic training clinic (staff, physicians, athletic training students)
Athletic training students must be supervised when in the clinical setting
Coaches may have access in secondary school settings
Fire Safety
Post evacuation plan in case of fire
Smoke detectors/alarm system and fire extinguisher should be tested and in place

17. Electrical and Equipment Safety
Major concern
Be aware of power distribution system to avoid accidents
Emergency Action Plan
Accessing emergency personnel outside setting in the event of emergency
Include transportation of athletes to emergency facilities
Meeting with outside personnel is necessary to determine roles and rules regarding athlete and equipment care

18. Accessing Community Based Health Services
Must have knowledge of local and community health services and agencies in the event of referrals
Referrals should be made with assistance from a physician
Parental involvement is necessary when dealing with psychological and sociological events

19. Human Resources and Personnel Issues
Assembling appropriate personnel to achieve program goals and objectives is critical to success.
Recruitment, hiring and retaining qualified personnel is necessary to be effective
Specific policies are established relative to hiring, firing, performance evaluations and promotions
Must adhere to these principles

20. Roles and responsibilities must be established
Job descriptions - job specifications, accountability, code of conduct, and scope
Head athletic trainer must serve as a supervisor and work to enhance professional development of staff
Performance evaluations should take place routinely

21. Athletic Training Facility Design
Design will vary drastically based on number of athletes, teams, and various needs of the program
Size
Varies between settings
Must take advantage and manage space effectively
Interact with architect relative to needs of program and athletes

22. Location
Outside entrance (limits doors that must be accessed when transporting injured athletes)
Double door entrances and ramps are ideal
Proximity to locker rooms and toilet facilities
Light, heat and water source should be independent from rest of facility

23. Illumination Well lighted throughout
Reflective ceilings and walls will aid in process
Natural lighting is a plus

24. Special Service Areas
Treatment Area: area that accommodates 4-6 adjustable treatment tables, 3-4 stools, and hydrocollator and ice machine accessibility
Electrotherapy Area: area that houses ultrasound, diathermy, electrical stim units, storage units, grounded outlets, treatment tables and wooden chairs, under constant supervision

25. Hydrotherapy Area: area with centrally located sloping floor to drain, equipped with 2-3 whirlpools, shelving and storage space and outlets 5 feet above the floor
Exercise Rehabilitation Area: area that provides adequate space and equipment to perform reconditioning of injuries
Taping, Bandaging & Orthotics Area: 3-4 taping tables and storage cabinets to treat athletes with proximity to a sink

26. Physician’s Exam Room: space for physician to work which may hold exam table, lockable storage, sink, telephone
Records Area: space devoted to record keeping which may include filing system or computer based database, that allows access only to medical personnel

27. Storage Facilities
Athletic training facilities often lack ample storage space
Storage in athletic training room that holds general supplies and special equipment
Large walk-in storage cabinet for bulk supplies
Refrigerator for equipment, ice cups, medicine and additional supplies
Space should be designated for storage of patient belongings

28. Athletic Trainer’s Office
Space at least 10x12 feet is ample
All areas of athletic training facility should be able to be supervised without leaving office space (glass partitions)
Equipment should include, desk, chair, tack board, telephone, computer and independent locking system

29. Additional Areas
Pharmacy Area: separate room that can be secured for storing and administrating medications (records must be maintained concerning administration)
Rehabilitation Pool: if space permits, must be accessible to individuals with various injuries, with graduated depth and non-slip surface
Restrooms: Should be at least one available within the facility