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

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

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

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

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.

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

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”

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”)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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