Implementing a Standardized Cardiac Protocol for the Adolescent Preparticipation Sports Examination

To evaluate adolescent athletes for cardiovascular (CV) abnormalities before engaging in competitive sports, the American Heart Association guidelines recommend preparticipation screening. The initiative aimed to implement a standardized protocol to increase the identification of CV abnormalities during athletic physical examinations.

A rapid-cycle model with four Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles was implemented in two urgent care clinics. Providers used a CV-specific screening checklist; parents were engaged in a discussion about the importance of this screening, and team engagement activities were used. Outcomes were measured with chart audits and surveys.

Because of the intervention, 62% of athletes were screened, with 29% identified as having a CV risk. The satisfaction of the patients and the team increased by 3% and 62.5%, respectively.

Despite competing foci in the clinics, athletes were properly screened using a standardized checklist, which is easily sustainable and can be duplicated in other settings.