A Change In Pre-Participation Exam Guidelines For Student Athletes In The State Of Mississippi

Despite the current requirements for pre-participation physical exams (PPE) in Mississippi, student athletes medically cleared during PPEs continue to experience sudden cardiac death from undiagnosed cardiac abnormalities. Research states that one in every 200,000 high school athletes experiences sudden cardiac death, the majority of which are attributed to structural heart problems. Although most high school athletes are required to complete a PPE, the concern is that physical exams alone are not enough to identify cardiac abnormalities. The purpose of this study is to determine if student athletes are appropriately screened for cardiac risks. The researchers compared current practices with existing guidelines for pre-participation exams. The guidelines used were established by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). The researchers reviewed the current form required by the Mississippi High School Activities Association in comparison with pre-participation monograph developed by the AAFP. The areas the researchers focused on were cardiac history obtained, cardiac auscultation performed, and any further testing ordered. As a health care provider, it is important to view each patient as a unique individual comprised of various components; all of which must maintain a delicate balance to promote a healthy state. Betty Neuman’s systems model was the theoretical framework used to guide this research study. Researchers conducted a quantitative, retrospective chart review and obtained data from 300 medical records of males and females, ages 13-20 years, in northeast Mississippi. A convenience sample of 300 charts was selected from iv family practice clinics in north Mississippi. Criteria for the sample included student athletes between the ages of 13 and 20 who received a pre-participation exam in a family medical clinic within the past five years