Chapter 2: Health Care Administration in Athletic Training

1. Chapter 2: Health Care 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 within scope of athletic program • Decision of administrators will determine extent of health care program • Develop written mission statement to focus direction of program

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

12. University of Oregon Facility Tour

13. 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

14. Providing Coverage • Facility Personnel 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. Gymnasium (general issues concerning facility and equipment cleanliness) • Facility • 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

18. 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

19. 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