Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers' Perceptions of Preparation for Job-Specific Duties

Context The extent to which individuals are prepared completely for work in a particular athletic training setting (eg, professional sports, college, high school) is unknown. This issue is critical today, and findings in this area have implications for athletic training education policy and employers. Objective To determine the perceptions of preparation for work-specific tasks by professional baseball athletic trainers (PBATs). We also wanted to determine whether various preparation experiences interact with perceived skills. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Online survey administered via SurveyMonkey. Patients or Other Participants Two hundred seventy-five PBATs. Intervention(s) The PBATs reported their levels of preparation before employment in their positions and their current skills in each of the 8 work task domains: evaluation of elbow injuries; evaluation of shoulder injuries; evaluation of general injuries; acute care; injury prevention; treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning; organization and administration; and non–athletic-training tasks. Main Outcome Measure(s) Nine repeated-measures analyses of covariance were performed with each perception of preparation (retrospective, current) as a within-subject factor. Preparation experiences were included as between-subjects factors, and number of years working in baseball was the covariate. Results Subscale reliabilities were calculated and found to be between 0.79 and 0.97. A total of 180 PBATs (65%) completed the survey. The backgrounds and routes by which PBATs gained employment in the professional baseball setting varied. Individuals who completed professional baseball internships, had previous work experience, and immediately entered the professional baseball setting after graduation had noted differences in their perceptions of preparation for work tasks. The PBATs indicated they were substantially underprepared for tasks in the organization and administration and non–athletic-training task domains. Conclusions The organizational socialization process is complex, and no 1 experience appears to completely prepare an individual for work in the professional baseball setting.

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Athletic Training Services in Japan: A Comparison of the United States and Japan Based on Educational Background

Athletic Training Education Journal ◽

10.4085/1404305 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 305-314

Author(s):

Hideyuki “E” Izumi ◽

Yuri Hosokawa

Keyword(s):

Athletic Training ◽

Online Survey ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Medical Practitioner ◽

The United States ◽

Educational Background ◽

Median Income ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Training Professionals ◽

Training Services

Context Each country has a unique history in the development of its athletic training professionals and education and credentialing systems. In Japan, the majority of athletic trainers hold a domestic credential (JSPO-AT) obtained from the Japan Sport Association (JSPO) or a US-based credential from the Board of Certification (BOC-AT). Objective To determine whether differences in demographic, professional, and educational characteristics exist between Japanese BOC-ATs and JSPO-ATs who currently practice athletic training services in Japan. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Online survey. Patients or Other Participants Eight hundred twenty-nine Japanese athletic trainers in Japan (BOC-AT, n = 64; JSPO-AT, n = 765). Main Outcome Measure(s) Pearson's χ2 test and Fisher's exact test were used to determine differences in demographic, professional, and educational characteristics between BOC-ATs and JSPO-ATs. Results The proportion of female respondents was greater for BOC-ATs (29.7%) than for JSPO-ATs (18.7%; χ2 [1] = 4.5, P = .03). A greater proportion of BOC-ATs reported having master's degrees or higher (χ2 [3] = 81.6, P < .01). The percentage of respondents with at least 1 therapist or medical practitioner license in Japan was greater for JSPO-ATs (73.1%) than for BOC-ATs (20.3%; P < .01). The percentage of respondents with at least 1 credential in exercise, nutrition, or teaching was greater for BOC-ATs (62.5%) than for JSPO-ATs (45.2%; P < .01). A large difference was observed in the proportion of individuals who identified as therapists (JSPO-ATs = 29.8%, BOC-ATs = 6.3%; χ2 [5] = 18.9, P < .01). The median income for BOC-ATs was 401–600 million yen (US$36 500–$54 500), whereas the median income for JSPO-ATs was 0–200 million yen (US$0–$18 200). Conclusions BOC-ATs in Japan were more established than JSPO-ATs as athletic training professionals with higher educational backgrounds, while more JSPO-ATs tended to be therapists. Findings from the current study may serve as benchmark data for the athletic training profession and service characteristics in Japan.

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Use of Evidence-Based Practice Among Athletic Training Educators, Clinicians, and Students, Part 1: Perceived Importance, Knowledge, and Confidence

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-48.2.16 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 48 (3) ◽

pp. 394-404 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Dorice A. Hankemeier ◽

Jessica M. Walter ◽

Cailee W. McCarty ◽

Eric J. Newton ◽

Stacy E. Walker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Athletic Training ◽

Online Survey ◽

Evidence Based Practice ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Master's Degrees ◽

Athletic Training Educators ◽

Perceived Importance

Context: Although evidence-based practice (EBP) has become more prevalent, athletic trainers' perceptions of importance and knowledge of these concepts and their confidence in EBP are largely unknown. Objective: To assess perceived importance and knowledge of and confidence in EBP concepts in athletic trainers in various roles and with different degree levels. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Online survey instrument. Patients or Other Participants: The survey was sent to 6702 athletic training educators, clinicians, and postprofessional students. A total of 1209 completed the survey, for a response rate of 18.04%. Main Outcome Measure(s): Demographic information and perceived importance and knowledge of and confidence in the steps of EBP were obtained. One-way analysis of variance, a Kruskal-Wallis test, and an independent-samples t test were used to determine differences in scores among the demographic variables. Results: Athletic trainers demonstrated low knowledge scores (64.2% ± 1.29%) and mild to moderate confidence (2.71 ± 0.55 out of 4.0). They valued EBP as moderately to extremely important (3.49 ± 0.41 out of 4.0). Perceived importance scores differed among roles (clinicians unaffiliated with an education program scored lower than postprofessional educators, P = .001) and highest educational degree attained (athletic trainers with terminal degrees scored higher than those with bachelor's or master's degrees, P < .001). Postprofessional athletic training students demonstrated the highest total EBP knowledge scores (4.65 ± 0.91), whereas clinicians demonstrated the lowest scores (3.62 ± 1.35). Individuals with terminal degrees had higher (P < .001) total knowledge scores (4.31 ± 1.24) than those with bachelor's (3.78 ± 1.2) or master's degrees (3.76 ± 1.35). Postprofessional educators demonstrated greater confidence in knowledge scores (3.36 ± 0.40 out of 4.0) than did those in all other athletic training roles (P < .001). Conclusions: Overall knowledge of the basic EBP steps remained low across the various athletic trainers' roles. The higher level of importance indicated that athletic trainers valued EBP, but this value was not reflected in the knowledge of EBP concepts. Individuals with a terminal degree possessed higher knowledge scores than those with other educational preparations; however, EBP knowledge needs to increase across all demographics of the profession.

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The Relationships of Age and Years of Experience to Professional Development for Athletic Trainers Employed in the Collegiate Setting

Athletic Training Education Journal ◽

10.4085/150119102 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

pp. 194-200

Author(s):

Christianne M. Eason ◽

Jessica L. Barrett ◽

Stephanie H. Clines

Keyword(s):

Professional Development ◽

Professional Identity ◽

Athletic Training ◽

Online Survey ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Years Of Experience ◽

Demographic Information ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Pearson Correlations

Context Professional identity is a process in which individuals forms a self-concept in the context of their profession, and includes an ability to articulate a professional philosophy. Professional identity relates to many aspects of a profession, including practices, ethics, and the requirements for success. Professional development is a component of professional identity and represents the growth of professionals as they acquire skills and confidence in autonomous practice. Currently, little is known in regard to the role age and years of experience play in the professional development of athletic trainers (ATs). Objective To determine the relationships of age and years of experience to professional development. Design Cross-sectional online survey. Setting Collegiate athletic training clinical setting. Patients or Other Participants Four hundred twenty-three (193 men, 230 women) ATs. Intervention(s) Data were collected via a Web-based survey instrument consisting of demographic and Likert-scale questions relating to professional development. Main Outcome Measure(s) Likert responses were summed, and demographic information was analyzed for frequency and distribution. Pearson correlations were run to evaluate the relationships between variables and linear regression was used to determine if age or years of experience could predict professional development scores. Results A positive relationship exists between professional development scores and both age and years of experience. Both age (R2 = 0.066) and years of experience (R2 = 0.075) were statistically significant predictors of variance in overall professional development scores. Conclusions Although age and years of experiences were both positively correlated with, and predicted variance in, overall professional development scores, the predicted variance of both variables was relatively small. Although we can say that both age and years of experience are prognostic in the professional development of collegiate ATs, their impact is statistically minimal.

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Exploring Predictors of Moral Disengagement in Collegiate Athletic Trainers

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-504-18 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 55 (1) ◽

pp. 96-104

Author(s):

Ross Budziszewski ◽

Scott A. Graupensperger ◽

Matthew Vierimaa

Keyword(s):

Social Identity ◽

Athletic Training ◽

Moral Disengagement ◽

Student Athletes ◽

Online Survey ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Return To Play ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Cluster Solution ◽

Cross Sectional

Context Considering recent high-profile reports of malpractice and negligence by National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletic trainers (ATs), it is prudent to investigate the psychological mechanisms that may influence ATs' ability to justify unethical behaviors. When treating injured student-athletes, ATs may undergo a cognitive process known as moral disengagement, which involves convincing oneself that ethical standards do not apply in a particular context. Objective To explore the psychological factors and traits among ATs that may predict moral disengagement pertaining to allowing athletes to play through injuries. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Online survey. Patients or Other Participants A total of 187 Division I, II, and III ATs from 100 NCAA universities. Main Outcome Measure(s) In addition to the primary outcome variable of moral disengagement, the survey captured the AT's demographic background, sport and athletic training histories, and measures of sport ethic, contesting orientations, commitment, and social identity. Results Cluster analysis was used to identify homogeneous subgroups of participants based on these variables. A 2-cluster solution emerged, with cluster 1 (n = 94) scoring higher in the sport-ethic and sport-contesting orientations but lower in commitment and social identity compared with cluster 2 (n = 93). An independent-samples t test revealed that moral disengagement was highest (t185 = 19.59, P < .001, d = 0.69) among ATs in cluster 1. Conclusions These findings advance our understanding of the psychological processes that may predict moral disengagement of ATs in allowing student-athletes to play through injury. Although additional research is needed to test whether moral disengagement influences return-to-play decisions, we provide initial evidence that ATs who conform to sport norms (eg, “no pain, no gain”) and who tend to view sport competition with a “war-like” orientation are more likely to morally disengage.

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Athletic Trainers' Perception on Treating and Managing Ankle Sprains

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/325-20 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Revay O. Corbett ◽

Luzita Vela ◽

Paul C. Harris ◽

Susan Saliba ◽

Jay Hertel

Keyword(s):

Patient Education ◽

Athletic Training ◽

Ankle Sprain ◽

Online Survey ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Position Statement ◽

Group Differences ◽

Ankle Sprains ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Context: Ankle sprains common occurrences in athletic and general populations. High volumes of ankle sprains elevate the clinical burden on Athletic Trainers (AT). While there is a position statement from the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) regarding the treatment and management of ankle sprains, there may be factors impacting an AT's ability to effectively implement the recommendations. Objective: To evaluate current understanding, perceptions and difficulties ATs have regarding the treatment, management, and long-term effects of ankle sprains. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Online survey instrument. Patients or Other Participants: Seven hundred and ninety-six ATs across all athletic training job settings (years certified=12.1±9.2 years). Interventions: None. Main Outcome Measures: Participants completed a thirty-eight-question survey that recorded demographics, perceptions and knowledge on epidemiology, treatment, and management of ankle sprains. The survey also documented participants' patient education practices, attitudes towards the NATA position statement regarding ankle sprains, along with challenges and pressures against implementation. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and analyses of variance were used to analyze the data and evaluate group differences and relationships. Results: Eighty-three percent of participants demonstrated a moderate understanding of fundamental ankle sprain epidemiology. Group differences were seen between education levels, years certified, and job setting regarding patient education. Overall, 38.1% of ATs were either unsure or unaware of the NATA position statement, but those aware of it expressed it to be a 3.89 on a scale to five, regarding usefulness; with one being “Not Useful at All”, three being “Neutral” and five “Very Useful”. On average, 1.9±0.88 challenges were documented to implementing effective treatment practices, and an average of 2.0±0.95 pressures reported to returning athletes to play following an ankle sprain. Conclusion: Nearly 40% of ATs were either unaware or unsure of current recommendations available to inform how ankle sprains are treated, which could impact how care is delivered.

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Athletic Trainers' Perceptions of Accessibility to Necessary Resources for Those Working Per Diem Services

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-0095.20 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Tara A. Armstrong ◽

Elizabeth R. Neil ◽

Alisha M. Pennington ◽

K. Ellis F. Mair ◽

Lindsey E. Eberman

Keyword(s):

Athletic Training ◽

Online Survey ◽

Underserved Populations ◽

Care Delivery ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Medical Services ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Independent Contractors ◽

Transient Nature

Context As the demand for athletic training services has grown, the per diem athletic training setting has expanded to fulfill this need. Per diem services are provided by athletic trainers (ATs) who are hired as independent contractors for short time periods. These service opportunities help to increase access to care for medically underserved populations; however, due to the transient nature of the work, the quality of care may be compromised. Objective To examine current practices in per diem services and evaluate ATs' accessibility to resources. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Online survey. Patients or Other Participants A total of 448 participants responded (access rate = 9.57%), of whom 210 were ineligible (46.9%). Of those who were eligible, 192 participants completed the entire tool (completion rate = 80.7%, age = 38 ± 12 years, years certified = 14 ± 11, years providing per diem services = 8 ± 8). Main Outcome Measure(s) The survey comprised 3 sections: (1) demographics, (2) accessibility to resources and influence on patient care, and (3) domains of athletic training while providing per diem services. Resources assessed included those that are relevant to ATs practicing in accordance with the Board of Certification Standards of Professional Practice. The final instrument included approximately 30 questions (depending on display logic) and took an average of 12 minutes to complete. Results Of the 11 primary resources assessed, participants had limited accessibility to 6. Critical resources related to informatics, legalities, and health care delivery were often not available, were seen as unimportant to providing medical services, or both. Conclusions Participants indicated varied perceptions about the need for and access to these resources. Yet such resources contribute to the creation of a safe infrastructure for providing medical services and should be part of the routine dialogue regarding independent contracting.

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Return to Learn After Sport-Related Concussion: A Survey of Secondary School and Collegiate Athletic Trainers

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-234-17 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 53 (10) ◽

pp. 990-1003 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Chelsea L. Williamson ◽

Grant E. Norte ◽

Donna K. Broshek ◽

Joseph M. Hart ◽

Jacob E. Resch

Keyword(s):

Secondary School ◽

Online Survey ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Management Policy ◽

Annual Number ◽

Clinical Practices ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Return To Learn ◽

National Athletic Trainers Association

Context Recent recommendations have emphasized return-to-learn (RTL) protocols to aid athletes in recovery from sport-related concussion (SRC) but have been based primarily on anecdotal evidence. Objective To investigate the RTL practices of certified athletic trainers (ATs) after an SRC. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Online survey. Patients or Other Participants A total of 1083 individuals (27%) from a random sample of 4000 ATs in the National Athletic Trainers' Association membership database completed an electronic survey. Participants consisted of 729 self-identified secondary school ATs (SSATs; 67.3%; experience = 14.0 ± 9.7 years) and 354 self-identified collegiate ATs (CATs; 32.7%; experience = 13.4 ± 9.7 years). Main Outcome Measure(s) We used χ2 analyses to assess respondent differences related to current knowledge, current practices, and available resources. Independent t tests were used to compare SSATs and CATs on years of certification and annual number of SRCs evaluated. Results Of our total respondents, 41.2% (n = 446) correctly indicated the absence of evidence-based RTL guidelines. Whereas most (73.9%, n = 800) respondents had an established RTL policy, only 38.1% (n = 413) used such guidelines in their clinical practice. Most (97.1%, n = 708) SSATs and 82.2% (n = 291) of CATs had access to (a) mental health professional(s); however, minorities of SSATs (21.4%, n = 156) and CATs (37.0%, n = 131) never accessed these resources to care for concussed student-athletes. Conclusions Our results suggested that, despite the absence of empirical evidence, most surveyed ATs incorporated some form of RTL protocol in their SRC management policy. The varying AT knowledge, clinical practices, and resources highlighted by our results should be considered when creating or refining an RTL protocol.

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Practices of Athletic Trainers Using Weight Charts to Determine Hydration Status and Fluid Intervention Strategies

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-0373.19 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jeremy M. Eith ◽

Clint R. Haggard ◽

Dawn M. Emerson ◽

Susan W. Yeargin

Keyword(s):

Intercollegiate Athletics ◽

Body Mass ◽

Online Survey ◽

National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

National Association ◽

Hydration Status ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Body Mass Change

Context Determining an athlete's hydration status allows hydration-related concerns to be identified before significant medical or performance concerns arise. Weight charts are an accurate measure of hydration status changes, yet their clinical use by athletic trainers (ATs) is unknown. Objective To investigate ATs' use of weight charts in athletic settings and describe their subsequent clinical decisions. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting High schools and National Collegiate Athletic Association Divisions I, II, III and National Association Intercollegiate Athletics colleges. Patients or Other Participants A total of 354 ATs (men = 162, women = 17; 17 respondents did not answer the demographic questions) responded across athletic settings (Division I [45.7%]; Division II, Division III, National Association Intercollegiate Athletics combined [n = 19.9%]; and high school [34.4%]). Main Outcome Measure(s) The 26-question online survey was developed by content experts and pilot tested before data collection. Participants answered questions focused on weight-chart use (implementation, timing, and calculations) and clinical decision processes (policies, interventions, and referral). Frequency statistics were calculated. Results The majority of ATs (57.2%) did not use weight charts. Of those who did, most (76.0%) used charts with football, soccer (28%), and wrestling (6%) athletes. They calculated changes as either an absolute (42.2%) or percentage (36.7%) change from prepractice to postpractice; only 11.7% used a baseline weight for calculations. Of those who used the percentage change in body mass, 66.0% selected a threshold of −3% to −4% for an intervention. Most ATs (97.0%) intervened with oral education, whereas only one-third (37.0%) provided specific fluid amounts based on body mass changes. Conclusions Typically, ATs in athletic settings did not use weight charts. They considered a body mass change of –3% the indication for intervention but did not specify rehydration amounts for hypohydrated athletes. Educational workshops or technology applications could be developed to encourage ATs to use weight charts and calculate appropriate individual fluid interventions for their athletes.

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From Age 4 to 8, Children Become Increasingly Aware About Normative Situations for Adults to Consume Alcohol

Alcohol and Alcoholism ◽

10.1093/alcalc/agz093 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 55 (1) ◽

pp. 104-111 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Carmen Voogt ◽

Koen Smit ◽

Marloes Kleinjan ◽

Roy Otten ◽

Tessa Scheffers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Online Survey ◽

Initial Level ◽

Sampling Strategy ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Parents And Children ◽

Post Hoc ◽

Frequent Drinking ◽

Over Time

Abstract Aims Limited cross-sectional studies have indicated that young children have some knowledge of the type of situations in which adults usually consume alcohol. However, it is unclear when and how this knowledge develops over time. This study tests the hypothesis that between the ages of 4 and 8, children become more knowledgeable about common drinking situations (e.g. ‘partying’) and uncommon situations (e.g. ‘driving’). Methods Data of two independent samples were used: a cross-sectional study (parents) and a three-wave longitudinal study (children). Parents and children were recruited via a convenience and random sampling strategy, respectively. To identify common, ambivalent, and uncommon drinking situations, parents (N = 158; 47% men) completed an online survey in which they indicated how common it is that any adult would drink alcohol in the 18 situations of the Dutch electronic appropriate beverage (eABT). Children (N = 329; 48.9% boys) completed the Dutch eABT to assess their knowledge of situations in which adults usually consume alcohol. Results General linear model repeated measures with post-hoc pairwise comparisons showed that parents’ perceptions of common, ambivalent, and uncommon situations in which adults consume alcohol predicted the initial level and the change over time in children’s knowledge of adults’ alcohol use in these situations. Conclusions Children aged 4–8 become increasingly knowledgeable about drinking norms in specific situations which implies that they know in what kind of situation alcohol consumption is a common human behavior. This knowledge may put them at risk for early alcohol initiation and frequent drinking later in life.

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Exploring Athletic Trainers' Self-Confidence for Interpreting Results from Concussion Assessments

Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology ◽

10.1093/arclin/acz026.26 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (5) ◽

pp. 756-756

Author(s):

N R D’Amico ◽

T Covassin ◽

N Murray ◽

P Schatz ◽

R J Elbin

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Management Practices ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Team Approach ◽

Neurocognitive Testing ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Certified Athletic Trainers ◽

Concussion Management ◽

Self Confidence ◽

National Athletic Trainers Association

Abstract Purpose To explore athletic trainers' self-confidence for interpreting results from concussion assessments. Methods An online survey was administered via the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) membership listserv to a cross-sectional sample of 10,000 certified athletic trainers (ATCs) employed in high school and collegiate settings. The survey included: 1) ATC demographics (i.e., age, sex, years of experience); 2) ATC concussion management practices (i.e., previous concussion training, continuing education received on concussion, concussion assessments administered); and 3) a 4-point Likert scale (1=no confidence, 4=high confidence) assessing ATC self-confidence for interpreting results from concussion assessments. A total of 725 ATCs completed the survey yielding a response rate of 7.25%; 114 were excluded for missing data and 611 ATCs were included in final analyses. Sample demographics, ATC concussion management practices, and ATC self-confidence scores were examined with demographic statistics (i.e., means, standard deviations, frequencies, percentages) for 16 commonly used concussion assessments. Results The sample of ATCs (mean age 38.97±14.89 years) was predominately female (59.2%) and reported an average of 10.08±7.58 years of clinical experience. Clinical examinations (63.2%) and symptom scales (61.4%) were among the most frequent assessments with high ATC self-confidence for interpretation. Vestibular/oculomotor measures (27.2%) and computerized neurocognitive testing (26.2%) were among the most frequent assessments with low ATC self-confidence for interpretation. Conclusion Low ATC self-confidence scores for interpreting results from vestibular/oculomotor measures and computerized neurocognitive testing highlight the importance of incorporating a multi-disciplinary team approach and including sport neuropsychologists for the proper management of concussion.

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