Stay in Play: a FIFA decision aid for football participation during pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: Given the uncertain risk of football participation during pregnancy, this study sought to develop and validate a clinical decision aid to support informed participation. METHODS: Development of the decision aid was founded on the knowledge-to-action cycle through the application of the intervention mapping and knowledge transfer scheme. Five steps were followed: (1) scientific literature review; (2) identifying participation barriers and facilitators; (3) developing the objective and approach; (4) identifying the key health screening components and (5) external review by experts working in football (physicians, physiotherapists and coaches), followed by a preliminary usability, content and criterion-validity assessment. RESULTS: (100% approval). The case study affirmed 94% respondent proficiency in using the decision aid. Qualitative feedback from the respondents was also used to enhance clarity of the decision aid. CONCLUSION: decision aid is designed for amateur to professional-level football players and their MDTs to support informed and quality decision-making about football participation during pregnancy.