Athletic Trainer as a Health Care Provider.

Chapter 1

Athletic Trainer

Coach Physician

Athlete

Introduction

Millions of individuals participate in sports Both organized and recreational Injuries do occur, but most aren’t serious

Who’s responsible for an athlete’s health? Ideally an ATC (athletic trainer, certified) $$ limits access ATC’s in most situations Coaches have responsibility to be first aid and

CPR certified ATC can’t be everywhere at all times

Early History

Sports were means to compete peacefully Roles in Greek and Roman

civilizations

Lack of interest in centuries after fall of Roman empire

Small resurgence in Renaissance

Sports begin in 19th century Early ATCs no technical

knowledge

Evolution of ATCs

Trainer vs. Athletic Trainer The Trainers’ Bible (1917) Cramer family influence

1932: First Aider First NATA 1938-1944 Regional districts reorganize 1947-1950 Current NATA formed in 1950

4,500 members in 1974 32,000+ members in 2008 Milestones?

National Athletic Trainers’ Association

1950: NATA formed 1991: recognized as allied health profession by AMA

Purpose was to accredit educational programs (Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation)

1993: all entry level ATEP’s subject to CAHEA accreditation via JRC-AT recommendation

1994: CAHEA replaced by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

2005: Last internship candidates take the BOC exam 2006: CAAHEP and JRC-AT replaced by CAATE

(Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Programs)

2007: NATABOC exam becomes computer based

What is sports medicine??

Term encompasses many different fields All relate to activity and

sport

Athletic training Biomechanics Exercise Physiology Medicine Physical therapy Nutrition Sport Psychology

Most fields have professional organizations Professional care

standards Educational standards Code of ethics Exchange ideas Stimulate research Collective purpose

Examples of organizations:

FIMS: International Federation of Sports Medicine

AAFP: American Academy of Family Physicians

ACSM: American College of Sports Medicine

AOSSM: American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine

NSCA: National Strength and Conditioning Association

APTA: American Physical Therapy Association, Sports Physical Therapy Section

NASM: National Academy of Sports Medicine

Athletic Trainers in the field

Qualifications: Knowledge of variety of

medical specialties Graduate from a CAAHEP-

accredited ATEP program Pass 3-part certification

exam Maintain 75 CEU’s every 3

years Maintain CPR-PR/AED

certification Maintain state licensure

(some states)

Employment settings

Traditional setting Secondary schools Colleges/universities

School districts

Professional organizations Sports NASCAR, Rodeo Dance and theater

Clinics/Hospitals/Industrial Largest employment setting

Others Fitness centers Military NASA Law enforcement Government agencies

The sports medicine team

Athlete health care is a group effort Coach, ATC, MD Each member has a

specific function Coach should defer all

medical decisions to ATC or MD

Physician has the final word on treatment and return to play

Athlete is the first concern Good communication

is essential Quick & safe return Goal to have athlete

participate to his/her fullest potential

Trust and confidence must develop between team members

The sports medicine team continued

Injury prevention and management are educational goals Both the coach and ATC

responsible Technique and training

Athlete must be kept informed and educated What is an injury Injury status

Role of parents: Minor athletes Must respect family MD

decisions

Coach responsibilities: Conditioning, proper

equipment, skill technique Awareness of common

injuries and their prevention

First aid & CPR certification

ATC responsibilities: All phases of care Keep athlete’s well-being

as primary objective Make all decisions from a

medical perspective (not a coaching perspective)

ATC responsibilities:

Injury prevention and risk management

Recognition, evaluation, and assessment of injuries

Immediate care of injuries and illnesses

Treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning

Health care organization and administration

Professional development and responsibility

Physician responsibilities:

Ultimately responsible for total health care Conducting PPE, diagnosing injuries, be aware of

rehab programs Return-to-play decisions usually made on ATC

recommendation Supervise and advise ATC

ATC must have flexibility to function independently in decision-making process

Communication imperative Should make the effort to attend as many events

as possible Be available for consultation outside of the office

Professional behaviors

Stamina Adaptability Empathy Sense of humor Communication skills

Oral and written

Intellectual curiosity Ethical practice Professional

memberships

State Regulations: Licensure Certification Registration Exemption

Other members of the sports medicine team:

Nurse Orthopedist Neurologist Internist / GP Dentist Ophthalmologist Pediatrician Psychiatrist Sport psychologist

Podiatrist Physician assistant CSCS Biomechanist Physical therapist Exercise physiologist Nutritionist Equipment personnel Referees