Rehabilitation Protocols, Communication & Integrated MDT Processes
Rehabilitation Protocols,
Communication & Integrated MDT Processes
From Injury Back to Competition
I am currently developing a series of videos that demonstrate rehabilitation protocols, explain processes, and various rehabilitation methods in detail.
This Includes
Medical and Injury History.
Objective Data Collection to support and inform programming, including clinical decision-making.
Individualised programmes to meet and exceed the athlete's or individual's needs and goals.
These serve multiple purposes, including guiding the rehabilitation process and providing evidence-based data and practice for return-to-competition decisions.
Transforming Sports Governance
Professional and ethical standards for Performance and Health Support.
These fulfil legal requirements for medical record-keeping, compliance, and standards in professional and Olympic sport.
Athlete-centred care and safeguarding are central pillars.
Initial First Draft: I plan to refine and expand the content into slicker videos. A bit more clarity is below. I am currently choked with a cold, hence the husky voice and occasional brain pauses.
1. Injury Assessment
The knee injury assessment and communication protocol involves several key steps.
A thorough examination of the knee and any other relevant areas is conducted by a qualified Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM) professional. In this case, the assessment was performed by team doctor Nicholas Stubbings.
Following protocols and decision flowcharts, additional diagnostic tests may be required, including X-rays and MRI scans. In this case, an MRI was required.
Communication Protocol
Medical and Performance Team to Technical Coaching Staff.
Within 48 hours of completing the injury assessment, the Medical and Performance Team discuss the following with coaching staff.
Specific Injury Details & Diagnosis
• Management options, including medical interventions.
• Training and playing restrictions.
• Estimated duration of rehabilitation, in Carly's case ten weeks.
• Expected return-to-training and competition timeline. This may flex depending on how the athlete responds to the rehabilitation process and how the athlete feels.
Challenges in Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Integrated Processes
Even when MDTs follow best practice, including thorough documentation, evidence-based decision-making at each step, and strict adherence to integrated working protocols, challenges can still arise.
There Can Still Be Issues With
• Acceptance of timelines.
• Agreement on processes, particularly integrated working.
• It may be the case within your team that not everyone believes in integrated working or MDT approaches.
• Even satisfaction with positive rehabilitation outcomes.
Integrity is a Central Pillar
Personal Observation
In my experience, even successful MDT interventions may face scepticism or resistance. This challenge can persist despite following recommended procedures and achieving positive results.
2. Focus: Athlete Meeting & MDT
A face-to-face meeting is held within 48 hours of injury assessment involving:
• Injured athlete (always centred).
• Medical staff.
• Technical coaching team.
• Athlete representative (only if applicable).
During This Meeting, the Following Can Be Discussed
• Injury details and diagnosis.
• Proposed management plan.
• Rehabilitation pathway.
• Expected timeline for return to training and competition.
Key Principles
• Maintain clear and constant communication between all involved.
• Ensure transparency with the athlete to increase confidence in the process.
• Involve the athlete support team (family and friends) to foster trust, belief, and understanding.
Letters help provide clarity by explaining the injury, timelines, and who is accountable and responsible for the athlete's rehabilitation and care. This aligns with medical standards that mirror the National Health Service (NHS).
This includes athletes who have previously experienced private medical care, providing familiarity and continuity in terms of the highest levels of service we can offer.
Use simple vocabulary for clarity and to help manage expectations.
Establish collaborative relationships within the MDT and among all stakeholders, both internal and external.
By using protocols, the MDT aims to ensure effective communication and management of injuries, leading to better outcomes for both the athlete and the team.
Insights
I hope you find this initial video useful and informative.
Lizzie