Virtual Athletic Training Model
Program: Healthcare Administration Master's Degree
Location: Not Specified (remote)
Student: Zach Williamson
Athletic Training is a crucial field of healthcare that is currently available in a limited capacity in rural areas due to limited resources (Huebeck, 2023). The growing utilization and availability of telehealth technology provides means for a small team of Athletic Trainers to service a larger number of schools and other organizations to ensure that sports-related musculoskeletal injuries are properly evaluated and referred in a timely manner. The Virtual Athletic Training Injury Hotline allows for a phone call to discuss the condition as well as an optional virtual evaluation, followed by proper referral and/or treatment by the Athletic Trainer. This will aid in avoiding unnecessary emergency room visits for athletes and providers alike. This triage line also allows for decreased time between the injury and first contact with a provider, allowing for prompt treatments or referrals to be delivered. This service is not currently available from any other organization in the area, setting Mayo Clinic Health Systems – Eau Claire apart as the lone provider of such a service in the region.