Medical confidentiality and performance: challenges and implications of sharing medical data in French football clubs

Buchheit M, Hader K, Contis M, Orhant E. Medical confidentiality and performance: challenges and implications of sharing medical data in French football clubs.  Sport Performance Science & Reports, Oct 24, #239, v1.

The question of sharing medical data in football clubs is more complex than it may seem. In France, the legal framework enforces strict confidentiality, but the performance demands on athletes create unique challenges. This paper addresses this sensitive topic, exploring how medical confidentiality can coexist with the pursuit of sports performance while respecting French laws.

While the paper focuses on France, the issue is critical for sports professionals worldwide, as it touches on the balance between health and performance in a strictly regulated environment. To share these insights with a global audience, an English version of the paper is also available.

For more information, check out our article available in both French and English.

 

Figure 1. Communication lines between the multidisciplinary team (MDT) manager, who is responsible for a comprehensive 360° view, and the technical staff as well as the leadership group (e.g., the sporting director and management), under two distinct scenarios. Scenario A: When the MDT manager is also a doctor, they have the discretion to directly communicate the necessary information for managing the player. Scenario B: In a duo setup where the MDT manager is not a doctor, the performance manager communicates directly about performance, while the medical information is exclusively communicated by the doctor. Figure adapted from Buchheit & Carolan (2019).