Understanding the barriers and bridges to the development and implementation of evidence-informed sports injury prevention policy in NSW
Primary Research Stream
Other
Full Project Title
Understanding the barriers and bridges to the development and implementation of evidence-informed sports injury prevention policy in NSW.
Project Period
2007
Rationale / Background
Participation in sport and physical activity is encouraged for its range of health-related benefits. However, increased participation increases exposure to the risk factors associated with injury, with sport and leisure injury being recognised as a significant public health issue in Australia. Compared with other mechanisms of injury in NSW, sports injury was ranked seventh in terms of lifetime cost, and third in terms of direct medical costs, after falls and road traffic accidents. The extent of the sports injury problem in NSW indicates that a NSW Sports Safety Strategy is needed.
In developing a strategy, it is essential to understand the complexities around the making of such a strategy. This involves understanding the role of the significant ‘actors’ or stakeholders in sports injury prevention, the ‘context’ or environment in which such a strategy will be formulated and executed, and the ‘processes’ associated with policy development (the barriers, enablers and motivators to policy development).
Aim and Objectives
The research has the following objectives:
To map current sports safety policy and practices occurring at the broad level in NSW
To identify the barriers, enablers, and motivators to sports injury prevention policy development and implementation, as perceived by relevant stakeholders;
To develop a strategic plan for the development and implementation of an evidence-based sports injury prevention strategy for NSW.
Method and Study Design
This is a qualitative research project which has 3 data collection phases:
- Background scoping activity on sports injury prevention activities: Representatives of state sports bodies (SSOs) in NSW will be invited to participate in a telephone interview to collect data on sports injury prevention activities in place within their sport.
- Determination of perceived barriers, enablers and motivators to sports injury prevention; analysis of current sports injury prevention activities:
Significant stakeholders (SSOs, relevant government departments and NGOs) will be invited to attend a workshop, to explore perceived barriers, enablers and motivators to sports injury prevention, particularly the feasibility of a multi-agency approach. This meeting will be informed by the background scoping study.
- Development of a strategic plan to promote the development and implementation of a sports injury prevention strategy for NSW.
Selected stakeholders from the first consultation meeting will be invited to participate in a half-day workshop to discuss ways of actioning the development and implementation of a prevention strategy for NSW. This meeting will be informed by the scoping survey and the first consultation meeting.
A strategic plan to promote the development and implementation of a formal sports injury prevention strategy for NSW will be developed. This strategic plan will be informed by the scoping survey and consultation meetings 1 and 2.
Key Findings (to Date)
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