Download Intervention and Referrals

INTERVENTION & REFERALS
Intervention
The act of deliberate intervening into a situation or dispute in
order to influence events or prevent undesirable consequences
Referral
The act or process of referring somebody or something to
somebody else, especially of sending a patient to consult a
medical or psychology specialist
When to make a referral:
Treatment issue is beyond the area of one’s expertise
Treatment issue is very serious and warrants emergent attention
When it is requested
An individual’s behavior is contra-related to clinician’s values &
morals (i.e., illegal acts, use/abuse of controlled substances)
Other reasons?
Referral Process
Internal
Occurs when athletic trainers have established prior contact
with members of the institution in which one is involved (i.e.,
team physician, school psychologist, etc.).
External
Occurs when athletic trainers seek help outside the institution
because the presenting problem is deemed inappropriate for
the institution to manage because of limited resources or
because the necessary treatment requires specialized skills.
IN BOTH CASES, REFERRALS SHOULD ONLY BE MADE AFTER THE
ATHLETE (OR PARENT/GUARDIAN) IS INFORMED OF THE PROCESS
AND GIVEN THE CONSENT FOR THE REFERRAL
Most athletes (75 – 85%) possess a psychologically-stable well-being
The number of individuals with a severe psychological pathology may be
lower among the athletic population because they engage in regular
physical activity, which is commonly used as a therapeutic treatment,
including depression. (Brewer & Petrie, 2002)
Over 40% of collegiate student-athletes who sought the services of
sport psychology consultants needed assistance dealing with
personal or mental health issues.
social
academic
athletic
FYI: Up to 25% of a university’s workforce will experience some mildto-moderate forms of emotional distress. It has been estimated that
10-12% of students enrolled in urban universities suffer from some
form of disabling mental health disorders
(www.suffork.edu/offices/4446)
It is critical for athletic trainers to
develop a list of willing
professionals to serve as referral
sources BEFORE referrals are
needed.
Who should these folks include?
MEDICAL DOCTORS – GENERAL & SPECIALISTS
TUTORS
CLINICAL SPORT PSYCHOLOGISTS
EDUCATIONAL SPORT PSYCHOLGISTS
FAMILY THERAPISTS
CLERGY
PSYCHIATRISTS
SPECIALIZED SUPPORT GROUPS
(gay & lesbian groups, AA, NA, GA, anger management, stress management etc.,)
ALTERNATIVE PRACTIONERS (acupuncture, massage, chiropractors)
Others?
Athletes may directly request help
Indirect requests are more difficult to “read” because they tend to
be hidden among a variety of stated concerns or problematic
behaviors.
Athletes may bring academic or relationship issues into the training
room because they are more “acceptable” and appropriate.
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF BEHAVIORS THAT MAY INDICATE THAT AN
ATHLETE MAY BENEFIT FROM VISITING A PROFESSIONAL ON THE
PSYCHOLOGICAL / SUPPORT REFERRAL LIST DEVELOPED BY A
SPORTS MEDICINE PROFESSIONAL
Problems with concentration, memory, attentional skills
Loss of interest in schoolwork, social activities
Excessive tardiness to class or rehabilitation appointments & treatments
Acute performance anxieties
Unrealistic expectations for athletic performance or rehabilitation treatment
Expressed difficulties with family, friends & relationships
Expressed concerns regarding death of self or others
Marked withdrawal
Irrational worrying
Loss of appetite, sleep
Undue concern with physical health
Indications of increased / excessive drinking or drug use
Plagiarism, cheating, lying and other asocial behaviors
Acute increased in activity levels (i.e., talking, rambling, hyperactivity
Frequent irritability, suspiciousness, irrational feelings
Disordered thought
A REFERRAL IS USUALLY APPROPRIATE WHEN:
An athlete presents a problem or requests information
which is beyond your scope of knowledge, competency or
interest
Personality differences exist between you and the athlete which
appear unresolvable and interfere with your assistance
If the problem in “personal” and your relationship with the athlete is
limited to athletic/injury interactions
If an athlete brings up a problem but is reluctant to discuss it
with you further
You feel uncomfortable dealing with the issues raised by the
athlete
And then of course……… there is talk about ending one’s
life…THIS NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION!!!!!!
HOW TO MAKE A REFERRAL
If given approval from the athlete, parent/guardian, provide as much
information as you can to whomever you are making the referral.
Make the referral as soon as possible
Follow-up after the referral is made to demonstrate continued
interest in the athlete
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