Survey of competitive distance runners in Alberta: satisfaction with health care services with respect to running injuries

Abstract

Objective: To measure the level of satisfaction of competitive runners with health care services provided for injury management. Secondary objectives were to identify the injury frequency and the rate of utilization of health care services.

Design: Descriptive survey.

Participants: Cohort of all competitive distance runners in Alberta.

Main outcome measures: A questionnaire was designed based upon a literature review, standardized questionnaire methodology, and pretesting and evaluation. The questionnaire was mailed to all competitive runners in Alberta. A follow-up letter was mailed to maximize the return rate. The main focus of the questionnaire was to evaluate the athletes' level of satisfaction with health care services, as well as reasons for dissatisfaction with health care.

Results: The survey was sent to 306 athletes. A 79% response rate was achieved. There were a number of clinically important trends in the data: (a) 75% of athletes experienced one or more injuries in a 2-year period, (b) 93% of injured athletes utilized health care services for their injuries, and (c) 62% of athletes were satisfied with this health care. The level of satisfaction with health care (62%) was found to be lower than typical levels of satisfaction with health care in the literature. Several reasons for dissatisfaction with health care were identified.

Conclusions: High rates of injury and health care utilization, and a low level of satisfaction with health care were found amongst competitive distance runners. A prospective study is required to confirm these findings.