Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2025-12
Abstract
Moist heat packs (MHP) are widely used in collegiate athletic training facilities (ATF) to assist in pain relief, flexibility and muscle relaxation. However, improper and frequent reuse of MHP covers can lead to moisture retention, increasing the risk of bacterial contamination. This project aimed to reduce the proportion of re-wet MHP covers hanging on the rack by 50 % by the end of November. Baseline data was collected over 17 clinical days, by daily recording of the dry versus wet status at the end of days. A visual cue was placed in front of the rack areas, which encouraged the student athletes to return dried MHP covers to the designated dry areas, and hang them correctly. Post-intervention data was collected on 16 clinical days to assess the impact of the visual cue. Results showed partial improvement, particularly in correct hanging techniques and reduced re-wet rates. The average wet rate was reduced from 84.5% to 55.8%. Although improvement of hanging ways were observed, there was no significant behavioral change in returning the covers to the designated dry location. These findings suggest that while a visual cue can partially promote correct hanging behavior and reduce re-wet rates, it is insufficient to influence broader behavioral change regarding returning dried covers properly. Future research may need to focus on behavioral change intervention, redesigned posters and reducing reliance on staff involvement.
Recommended Citation
Shigeki, Hana, "Improving Moist Heat Pack (MHP) Cover Compliance in the Athletic Training Facility Using a Visual Cue: QI project" (2025). Athletic Training Case Studies. 13.
https://www.exhibit.xavier.edu/at_casestudies/13
