Using A Whiteboard Sign Out Log to Ensure Proper OTC Distribution

Division 1 football programs have many student-athletes who asks for over the counter (OTC) medications to manage their pain or discomfort before practice. As a result of having a large roster, it can be time consuming to track which student-athletes ask for OTCs before they head down to practice. If medications are not properly documented, the institution fails to enable safe and accountable medication management. At the University of Cincinnati, a whiteboard was implemented right next to the OTC medications to ensure proper documentation would take place prior to practice. For the first four weeks, direct observation occurred to view how many student-athletes would go undocumented when they asked for medication 2-3 hours before practice. Prior to implementing the change, proper communication took place for other stakeholders to help them understand the importance of documentation. After the four weeks, a whiteboard sign out log was immediately implemented for the next several days to analyze if proper documentation occurred. Based on the data, it is conclusive that proper documentation ensured the most accurate medical record for the patient. Despite this project’s effectiveness, more research must occur to maintain proper documentation of OTCs long-term.