TEAM PHYSICIAN – Part 2

We will see the medical and administrative responsibilities of a team physician.

MEDICAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF A TEAM PHYSICIAN:

1. FITNESS ANALYSIS OF ATHLETES
2. ATTENDING SPORTS EVENTS WITH PROPER ATTENTION
3. FOCUS ON THE GAME TO SPOT POSSIBLE INJURIES
4. READY TO HANDLE NON-PARTICIPANT INJURIES
5. ACTIVE COMMUNICATION
6. FOLLOW UP WITH OTHER MEDICAL SPECIALISTS
7. PROPER DOCUMENTATION OF MEDICAL TREATMENTS

1. FITNESS ANALYSIS OF AN ATHLETE:

A team physician’s first and foremost responsibility is to examine and determine whether an athlete is fit to participate in an event.

The team physician may or may not perform a pre-participation examination; however, the reports will give him an idea as to whether an athlete has any condition that may limit their performance in the competition or lead to an injury.

A pre-participation test done six to eight weeks before training or competition can fully evaluate an athlete without risking participation.

2. ATTENDING SPORTS EVENTS WITH PROPER ATTENTION:

One of the most evident responsibilities of a team physician is attending sports events, especially collision and high-risk sports. Team physicians should be dispassionate observers; they should see that the emotions of the game do not get to them, but the safety of all the participants should be up and foremost.

3. FOCUS ON THE GAME TO SPOT POSSIBLE INJURIES:

Team physicians should focus more on aspects of play and individuals more susceptible to injuries. They should not focus on the game but rather on the players and the situations where the possibility of an injury is high.

4. READY TO HANDLE NON-PARTICIPANT INJURIES:

In any game or sport, the possibility of injury to a non-participant is present, be it a spectator or a coach, or sometimes even the referee. The team physician should always be ready to handle such situations.

5. ACTIVE COMMUNICATION:

Team physicians should communicate clear and confident information regarding the condition of players to those who need to know, coordinate the rehabilitation process and determine whether an athlete should compete again. It involves active communication with parents, trainers, athletes, coaches, physical trainers and medical specialists if necessary.

6. FOLLOW UP WITH OTHER MEDICAL SPECIALISTS:

Active follow-up is a critical duty of a team physician. They may also refer an athlete to sub-speciality providers to assist in treatment or clearance for participation. They have to see that there is no confusion in acquiring the data from the specialist, as it may put the physician and athlete in danger. To avoid confusion in communication, they can use shadow files, tickler lists and other reminder systems.

7. PROPER DOCUMENTATION OF MEDICAL TREATMENTS:

Proper documentation is the most neglected work in a team setting. The team physician should have appropriate, formal, and confidential medical records with communication details between consults, treatment and follow-up instructions, and insurance and reimbursement.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A TEAM PHYSICIAN:

1. COORDINATION OF MEDICAL SUPERVISION
2. PLANNING FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
3. MEDICAL CARE DURING THE UNAVAILABILITY OF A TEAM PHYSICIAN
4. ENSURE SAFE PLAYING ENVIRONMENTS

1. COORDINATION OF MEDICAL SUPERVISION:

• Make sure qualified medical professionals are attending practice and competition as needed.
• Design a plan for side-line evaluation.
• Necessary medical equipment is readily available.
• Encourage roles and responsibilities for everyone involved in the medical upkeep of the team.
• Establish a medical chain of command.

2. PLANNING FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES:

• A team physician has to lead the planning and practice of medical emergencies and have a medical transport plan.
• A team physician should also be aware of the medical treatments and capabilities provided in the surrounding hospitals of the event area.
• Arrangements should be in place to shift injured athletes to the best-equipped medical facility to handle the specific medical problem / condition.

3. MEDICAL CARE IN UNAVAILABILITY OF TEAM PHYSICIAN:

• A team physician should immediately facilitate and implement protocols for timely and quality medical care when he is unavailable.
• Pre-established guidelines are handy in these situations, especially when injured athletes face high pressure to return to play before proper healing.

4. ENSURE SAFE PLAYING ENVIRONMENTS:

• A team physician should evaluate both practice and game facilities for safety.
• A safe playing environment should consist of protective equipment which is properly fitting, hydration (water bottles) appropriate climate necessary for the activity.

Team Physician – Part 1 of 2