Chapter 2: Health Care Administration in Athletic Training

System of Healthcare Management Strategic Plan Development Determine why there is need for such a program Determine function of program within scope of athletic program Decision of administrators will determine extent of health care program Develop written mission statement to focus direction of program

Strategic Plan Development (cont.) Strategic plan development must include administrators, student-athletes, coaches, physicians, athletic trainers, parents and community health leaders Ongoing process that reviews strengths and weaknesses of program

Policy and Procedure Development Creation of policies and procedures for all involved in health care of athletes necessary To be covered throughout presentation Abbreviated version of policies and procedures should be provided to athletes and parents (if financially feasible)

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

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

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 Hydrotherapy Area: area with centrally 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 & Orthotic Area: 3-4 taping tables and storage cabinets to treat athletes with proximity to a sink Physician’s Exam Room: space for physician to work which may hold exam table, lockable storage, sink, telephone, refrigerator Records Area: space devoted to record keeping which may include filing system or computer based database, that allows access only to medical personnel

Athletic Trainer’s Office Storage Facilities Training rooms often lack ample storage space Storage in 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 Athletic Trainer’s Office Space at least 10x12 feet is ample All areas of training room should be supervised without leaving office space (glass partitions) Equipment should include, desk, chair, tack board, telephone, computer (if necessary) and independent locking system

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 X-Ray Room: separate room with lead shielding in walls, large enough to house necessary equipment

University of Oregon Facility Tour

Clinical and Industrial Settings: patient care outside high school and collegiate athletes, with a broader scope of practice that could include: Pediatric work Work hardening Orthopedic and neurological patients Athletic trainers should be sure to work within their scope (physically active) Fitness programming may also become an ATC’s responsibility in this setting

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 or at least a student should attend all practices and games (home and away) Different institutions (including high schools) have different levels of coverage based on personnel and risks involved with sports

Hygiene and Sanitation Athletic Training Facility Rules concerning room cleanliness and sanitation must be set and made known to population using facility Examples No equipment/cleats in training room Shoes off treatment tables Shower prior to treatment No roughhousing or profanity No food or smokeless tobacco

Cleaning responsibilities are divided between athletic training staff and maintenance personnel 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

Gymnasium (general issues concerning facility and equipment cleanliness) Cleaning of gymnasium floors Drinking fountain and shower/locker facility disinfecting Matted service cleaning (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

Athlete Promotion of good health and hygiene is critical Athlete clearance to participate Athlete insurance Prompt injury and illness reporting Follow good living habits Avoid sharing clothes and towels Exhibit good hygiene practices Avoid common drinking sources

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