Abstract
Background: Sport health care providers (SHCP) frequently field inquiries from athletes and key stakeholders regarding pain-relieving procedures, including medications. Purpose: This study sought to investigate the knowledge and role of SHCPs in managing and dispensing pain-relieving medications (PRMs), including opioids, for Canadian athletes. Method: Certified athletic therapists, registered sport massage therapists, licensed doctor of chiropractic sport sciences, and registered physiotherapists were sent an online survey. Percentage responses for each question as well Chi-squared analyses to determine potential interactions between questions were calculated. Results: Findings revealed a significant majority of participants (80%) self-reported having a “great deal” or “some” knowledge about PRMs with approximately half (49.4%) feeling confident to address their athletes’ needs. Many participants indicated they lacked adequate information related to opioids. Participants selected “physician” or “pharmacist” when asked about their preferred sources of information on opioids, revealing a reliance on medical professionals for guidance regarding opioid use in sports health care. More than half of the participants did not possess formal professional education on PRMs or opioids, and those who did have formal education expressed dissatisfaction with the adequacy of their education concerning PRMs and opioids. Furthermore, SHCPs who participated in the study expressed a lack of confidence in their knowledge of opioids, hindering their ability to provide comprehensive answers to athletes’ questions about pain management. They stressed that having more knowledge would boost their confidence in addressing athletes inquires about pain relief. Conclusions: This study underscores the urgent need for improved formalized education for SHCPs regarding PRMs and opioids. Although the SHCP indicated having knowledge of PRMs, the knowledge stemmed from sources other than formalized education, calling into question where their sources of knowledge come from. Enhancing their knowledge in these areas is vital for supporting athletes and addressing their pain management needs safely and effectively. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of SHCPs staying updated with federal and provincial laws and regulations to ensure they remain within the boundaries of their professional scope of practice.
Recommended Citation
Vandertuin J, Abdulla D, Lowther S, Manolakos M. Sport Health Care Providers Knowledge of Pain-Relieving Medications Including Opioids. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2024 Jun 26;22(3), Article 25.
