Health Care Organization and Administration in Athletic Training

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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