Rural-Nonrural Disparities in Sports Medicine Access in Secondary School Athletics in Virginia

Sports play a major role in the secondary school experience, with injuries also being part of these experiences. Healthcare access is a complex topic impacted by where someone lives, among other social determinants of health. Using a survey sent to Virginia-based middle school and high school athletic directors and athletic trainers, this study investigated the differences in sports medicine access comparing rural and nonrural communities. Findings suggest rural communities in Virginia have less access to an athletic trainer during practices and competitions and have a greater length of time before an injured athlete is seen by a sports medicine specialist when follow-up care is required. Narrowing the gap in medical access between rural and nonrural communities is important for athlete's well-being and for building more equitable healthcare systems.