Adherence to Follow-Up Recommendations by Triathlon Competitors Receiving Event Medical Care. (19th January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Joslin, Jeremy D.; Lloyd, Jarem B.; Copeli, Nikoli; Cooney, Derek R.
• Other Names: Kam Chak W. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Emergency medicine international. Volume 2017(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-01-19
• Subjects: Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; Medical emergencies -- Periodicals; 616.025
• DOI: 10.1155/2017/1375181
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-2840

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction . We sought to investigate triathlete adherence to recommendations for follow-up for participants who received event medical care. Methods . Participants of the 2011 Ironman Syracuse 70.3 (Syracuse, NY) who sought evaluation and care at the designated finish line medical tent were contacted by telephone approximately 3 months after the initial encounter to measure adherence with the recommendation to seek follow-up care after event. Results . Out of 750 race participants, 35 (4.6%) athletes received event medical care. Of these 35, twenty-eight (28/35; 80%) consented to participate in the study and 17 (61%) were available on telephone follow-up. Of these 17 athletes, 11 (11/17; 65%) of participants reported that they had not followed up with a medical professional since the race. Only 5 (5/17; 29%) confirmed that they had seen a medical provider in some fashion since the race; of these, only 2 (2/17; 12%) sought formal medical follow-up resulting from the recommendation whereas the remaining athletes merely saw their medical providers coincidentally or as part of routine care. Conclusion . Only 2 (2/17; 12%) of athletes who received event medical care obtained postrace follow-up within a one-month time period following the race. Event medical care providers must be aware of potential nonadherence to follow-up recommendations.