Collaborative management of PHC and sports medicine services

Abstract

Introduction: Actually, collaborative management of Primary Flealth Care (PHC) and Sports Medicine services is an essential element in providing quality and durable assistance to athletes. The rational co-operation between above-mentioned services will ensure the exclusion of excessive and repeated examinations and will allow more effective monitoring of the health of the athletes. At the same time, this management will contribute to the creation of a common database, efficient communication and faster intervention in emergency situations. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the collaboration between PHC and sports medicine in the field of healthcare provided to national athletes between 2016-2017 yy. and to identify its effectiveness. Methods of research: The research was carried out by meta-analysis of the articles in the field, the orders of the specialized central authorities, using the specialized search programs and the evaluation of the results obtained during the meetings with the national sports federations and the national athletes. Results: The research found that the degree of collaboration between PHC and sports medicine services was at the initial stage in Republic of Moldova. Correspondingly, the improving of service’s collaboration will generate positive dynamics by increasing athletes' satisfaction inside of medical services and will exclude repeated examinations. At the same time, a permanent connection and direct communication between national athletes, coaches, assistant staff, sports doctors and family medicine will be established. Conclusions: The study found: 1. The beneficial effect of joint meetings of service representatives (PHC and Sports Medicine) within the National Federations through the increasing communication. 2. The informing PHC staff about the treatment algorithm in case of performance athletes will eliminate the duplication of support services. 3. Unification of databases and access routes between PHC and sports medicine services will improve communication and quality of assistance.