What is recommended regarding contracts in the management of eating disorders in athletes?

What is recommended regarding contracts in the management of eating disorders in athletes?

• A. Contracts are optional
• B. Contracts should be verbal only
• C. Contracts should be signed by athlete and medical staff only
• D. A written contract, agreed upon and signed by the athlete and health care team coordinator

Answer: (D)

Formalizing the management plan with a written contract is essential. It ensures clear expectations, roles, and commitments from both the athlete and the health care team, covering treatment goals, medical oversight, nutrition plan, return-to-play criteria, monitoring, and consequences for nonadherence. Written documentation also captures informed consent and protects privacy while guaranteeing that everyone signs up to the same plan. Having the health care team coordinator as a signer creates a single coordination point, aligning medical, nutritional, and mental health support and facilitating consistent communication with coaches and staff as needed. Verbal agreements or signing only with medical staff can lead to misunderstandings and inconsistent implementation, whereas a written contract signed by the athlete and the health care team coordinator provides accountability and continuity of care.

Formalizing the management plan with a written contract is essential. It ensures clear expectations, roles, and commitments from both the athlete and the health care team, covering treatment goals, medical oversight, nutrition plan, return-to-play criteria, monitoring, and consequences for nonadherence. Written documentation also captures informed consent and protects privacy while guaranteeing that everyone signs up to the same plan. Having the health care team coordinator as a signer creates a single coordination point, aligning medical, nutritional, and mental health support and facilitating consistent communication with coaches and staff as needed. Verbal agreements or signing only with medical staff can lead to misunderstandings and inconsistent implementation, whereas a written contract signed by the athlete and the health care team coordinator provides accountability and continuity of care.