Course Info (Description; Learning Objectives; Practice Gap; Clinical Bottom Line; Summary Conclusions)

Course Description:

This presentation will provide an overview of the Mental Health Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for athletic trainers and other healthcare providers. It will cover the signs, symptoms, and potential etiologies associated with common mental health crisis situations that may arise in various practice settings. Participants will learn about the components of a mental health EAP and how it fits into an organization's overarching EAP. The presentation will also discuss essential components of creating a positive mental health environment culture, including promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity in sports medicine practice settings.

BOC Domains of Athletic Training:

• Domain I - Risk Reduction, Wellness, and Health Literacy
• Domain III - Critical Incident Management
• Domain V - Healthcare Administration and Professional Responsibility

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the signs, symptoms, and potential etiologies associated with common mental health crisis situations that athletic trainers may encounter in the respective practice settings.
2. Identify and analyze the components of a mental health emergency action plan (EAP) as part of an organization's overarching EAP.
3. Discuss essential components in developing a positive mental health environment culture, as well as promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity, in various sports medicine practice settings.

Practice Gap:

Athletic trainers and other healthcare providers are increasingly being called upon to recognize and manage mental health crises in their practice settings. However, many providers lack the training and resources necessary to develop effective mental health EAPs and promote a positive mental health environment culture. This gap in knowledge and resources can result in delays in care and negative outcomes for patients.

Clinical Bottom Line:

Developing a mental health EAP and promoting a positive mental health environment culture is essential for athletic trainers and other healthcare providers to effectively manage mental health crises in their practice settings. This includes identifying and analyzing the signs, symptoms, and potential etiologies associated with common mental health crisis situations and developing a plan of action that incorporates both medical and psychological interventions.

Summary Conclusions:

• Athletic trainers and other healthcare providers should be able to identify the signs, symptoms, and potential etiologies associated with common mental health crisis situations in their practice settings.
• A mental health EAP should be incorporated into an organization's overarching EAP to ensure effective management of mental health crises.
• Developing a positive mental health environment culture is essential for promoting patient well-being and reducing stigma surrounding mental health.
• Promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity in sports medicine practice settings can help ensure that patients receive culturally responsive care.
• Providers should collaborate with mental health professionals to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care for their mental health needs.