1. Introduction to Sports Injury Management
Chapter 1
Introduction to Sports Injury Management

2. Sports medicine
Broad and complex branch of health care encompassing several disciplines
Applies medical and scientific knowledge to prevent and care for sport injuries
Primary sports medicine team
-Physician coach
-Athletic Trainer athlete

3. Team Physician Coordinates all aspects of care Duties include:
Physical examinations
Preseason conditioning programs
Assessing the quality, access and maintenance of protective equipment
Direct rehab programs
Resource for other team members
Diagnoses all injuries

4. Athletic Trainer Act as liaison between coach, athlete, physician
Primary duties and responsibilities:
Prevention of athletic injuries
Recognition, evaluation and care of injuries
Rehabilitation and reconditioning of injuries
Health care administration
Professional development
Evaluates Injuries

5. Coach “sport supervisor” in recreational settings Duties include:
Evaluate physical condition of the athlete
Properly fit and use safety equipment
Teach proper skill development/technique
Reinforce safety/injury prevention
Should maintain CPR/ first aid cert.

6. Athlete Everything revolves around the athlete
If it were not for the athlete, we would not need a sports medicine team at the high school/collegiate/Olympic/ professional levels

7. Standards of professional practice
Ethical ideals that guide actions and promote high standards of conduct
Specific for each profession
Defines what is “right” and “wrong”
Include “continuing education”

8. Legal liability
Tort = a wrong done to an individual whereby the injured party seeks a remedy for damages suffered.
Standard of care = what another minimally competent professional educated and practicing in the same profession would have done under the same or similar circumstances (“reasonably prudent person”)

9. Negligence Breach of one’s duty to care that causes harm to another.
Four necessary proofs (must prove all 4)
Duty of care
Relationship between individuals
Breach of that duty
Harm/Damage
Harm was caused by breach of duty

10. Negligence (related topics)
Failure to warn
Must inform athletes of potential risks for injury in participation
Informed consent
Person was informed of needed treatment, possible alternative treatments, advantages and disadvantages of each course of action, given written consent

11. Types of Negligence
Box 1-2 page 8
Malfeasance
Misfeasance
Nonfeasance

12. Foreseeable of Harm
When danger is apparent, or should have been apparent, resulting in an unsafe playing condition
Regular inspections of safety equipment
Regular inspections of the field of play

13. Product Liability
Manufacturers have a duty of care to design, produce, and package safe equipment that will not cause injury when used as intended
Implied warranty: product will work as intended
Expressed warranty: written guarantee

14. Documentation Important defense against litigation Includes:
Preparticipation physical exams
Medical data forms
Accident/Injury reports
Rehabilitation progress charts

15. Documentation Hints Follow policies/ procedures Always write in ink
NEVER use white out
Correct errors properly (initial/date)

16. Confidentiality
Unethical to give out information about clients without the written consent of the person, or his/her guardian if under 18.
Permission should:
Be in writing
Include who to give the information to
What information is to be given