Perceived Levels of Frustration During Clinical Situations in Athletic Training Students

Context: Athletic training students (ATSs) are involved in various situations during the clinical experience that may cause them to express levels of frustration. Understanding levels of frustration in ATSs is important because frustration can affect student learning, and the clinical experience is critical to their development as professionals. Objective: To explore perceived levels of frustration in ATSs during clinical situations and to determine if those perceptions differ based on sex. Design: Cross-sectional study with a survey instrument. Setting: A total of 14 of 19 professional, undergraduate athletic training programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education in Pennsylvania. Patients or Other Participants: Of a possible 438 athletic training students, 318 (72.6%) completed the survey. Main Outcomes Measure(s): The Athletic Training Student Frustration Inventory was developed and administered. The survey gathered demographic information and included 24 Likert-scale items centering on situations associated with the clinical experience. Descriptive statistics were computed on all items. The Mann-Whitney U was used to evaluate differences between male and female students. Results: A higher level of frustration was perceived during the following clinical situations: lack of respect by student-athletes and coaching staffs, the demands of the clinical experience, inability of ATSs to perform or remember skills, and ATSs not having the opportunity to apply their skills daily. Higher levels of frustration were perceived in female than male ATSs in several areas. Conclusions: Understanding student frustration during clinical situations is important to better appreciate the clinical education experience. Low levels of this emotion are expected; however, when higher levels exist, learning can be affected. Whereas we cannot eliminate student frustrations, athletic training programs and preceptors need to be aware of this emotion in order to create an environment that is more conducive to learning.

Download Full-text

A Mandala: A Diagram of the Clinical Education Experience in Athletic Training

Athletic Training Education Journal ◽

10.4085/1947-380x-2.1.10 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 10-15

Author(s):

Steve Cernohous ◽

Sharon West

Keyword(s):

Athletic Training ◽

Clinical Experience ◽

Clinical Education ◽

Interpersonal Competence ◽

Self Awareness ◽

Clinical Experiences ◽

Athletic Training Students ◽

Self Reflection ◽

Athletic Training Student ◽

Athletic Training Educators

Objective: The objective of this paper is to present the practical use of a Mandala that: 1) provides opportunities for athletic training students to explore, reflect on and appreciate their clinical experiences; 2) provides educators with a model to understand and value athletic training student experiences; 3) organizes and captures factors and associated relationships that influence the athletic training student's clinical experience; and 4) provides impetus for further research and discussion between and among athletic training educators. Background: Athletic training educators often find it difficult to demonstrate and assess the behavioral component of learning. Creative teaching strategies and exercises that help athletic training students develop interpersonal competence, self-awareness, and self-reflection are needed in athletic training education. One approach to address this need is to employ the practical exercise of creating athletic training student Mandalas; portraits of self-expression and interpretation of their athletic training clinical experience. Description: The Mandala of Clinical Education depicts the individualistic and complex elements of the athletic training student clinical experience. It is a manifestation of a milieu of intrinsic and extrinsic elements, personal experience, and established research. The athletic training student is positioned in the center of the Mandala, embraced by contributing elements and the wholeness of the clinical experience. The artistic design reveals a series of gates, doors, and portals in which the elements of the student's experiences interact and serve as a point for self-reflection. Conclusion: Mandalas allow the athletic training student and educator opportunities to explore, understand, and value all clinical experiences in athletic training. Mandalas may also facilitate athletic training students developing interpersonal competence, self-awareness and self-reflection, all of which are key components to the foundational behaviors of professional practice.

Download Full-text

Role of Clinical Education Experiences on Athletic Training Students' Development of Professional Commitment

Athletic Training Education Journal ◽

10.4085/1002138 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 138-145 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽

Thomas Dodge

Keyword(s):

Athletic Training ◽

Clinical Education ◽

Clinical Skills ◽

Clinical Skill ◽

Athletic Training Education ◽

Professional Commitment ◽

Professional Behaviors ◽

Athletic Training Student ◽

Education Experience ◽

Member Checks

Context Limited evidence exists on the role clinical education can play in the development of athletic training student commitment for the profession. Objective Investigating the role clinical education experiences play on the development of passion for athletic training. Design Exploratory qualitative study. Setting Athletic training education programs. Patients or Other Participants Seventeen students (8 males, 9 females) volunteered. Students represented both junior (13) and senior (4) levels, were engaged in 23 ± 5 hours per week of clinical education, and were 20 ± 2 years old. Main Outcome Measure(s) One-on-one, in-person interviews following a semistructured format. Multiple analyst triangulation and member checks were included as steps to establish data credibility. Results A positive clinical education experience as described by this cohort of students was inclusive of strong mentorship, realism, professional commitment of the preceptor, and clinical skill integration. In combination, these attributes appear to help students develop their professional commitment for athletic training. Preceptors who provided mentorship by modeling appropriate professional behaviors, providing a realistic perspective to their role, and showing enthusiasm allowed the students in this study to gain an accurate understanding of the profession. Opportunities to develop clinical skills with feedback for improvement demonstrated the preceptors' commitment to the profession and the student and was valued as contributing to the overall experience. Conclusions The development of the athletic training student's commitment to the profession is directly related to a positive clinical education experience facilitated by a preceptor who is also passionate about the job. Preceptors are encouraged to provide the athletic training student with a realistic impression of the clinical setting in which they are gaining experiences in order for them to fully understand their future role and responsibilities. Maintaining an optimistic but pragmatic attitude is also valued by the athletic training student.

Download Full-text

Examining the Relationship Between Social Support Satisfaction and Perceived Stress and Depression in Athletic Training Students

Athletic Training Education Journal ◽

10.4085/1302168 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 168-174 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bryan Crutcher ◽

Ryan N. Moran ◽

Tracey Covassin

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Athletic Training ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Training Programs ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Athletic Training Education ◽

Epidemiologic Studies ◽

Athletic Training Students ◽

Cross Sectional

Context: Although social support has been reported to be a factor that increases retention of athletic trainers in their profession, there is a lack of literature examining the specific relationship of social support satisfaction and its predictive influence on stress and depression among athletic training students. Objective: To determine which sources of social support were perceived to be the most salient and ascertain whether social support satisfaction can predict stress and depression among athletic training students. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Nine Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited professional athletic training programs. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 204 athletic training students from Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited athletic training programs were included in this study. Main Outcome Measure(s): Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the Social Support Questionnaire. Results: Social Support Satisfaction significantly predicted overall perceived stress (P = .010) and depression (P < .001). Satisfaction of support from family (P = .043) and other athletic trainers (P = .011) were significant predictors of perceived stress, whereas satisfaction of support from family (P = .003), other athletic trainers (P = .002), and athletes (P = .038) significantly predicted depression. Conclusions: The current study suggests that having an increased satisfaction of social support may reduce stress perceptions and depression in athletic training students.

Download Full-text

Accuracy and Reliability of Peer Assessment of Athletic Training Psychomotor Laboratory Skills

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-45.6.609 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 45 (6) ◽

pp. 609-614 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Melissa C. Marty ◽

Jolene M. Henning ◽

John T. Willse

Keyword(s):

Athletic Training ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Peer Assessment ◽

Generalizability Theory ◽

Athletic Training Education ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Psychomotor Skills ◽

Athletic Training Students ◽

Manual Muscle Test ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Context: Peer assessment is defined as students judging the level or quality of a fellow student's understanding. No researchers have yet demonstrated the accuracy or reliability of peer assessment in athletic training education. Objective: To determine the accuracy and reliability of peer assessment of athletic training students' psychomotor skills. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Entry-level master's athletic training education program. Patients or Other Participants: First-year (n = 5) and second-year (n = 8) students. Main Outcome Measure(s): Participants evaluated 10 videos of a peer performing 3 psychomotor skills (middle deltoid manual muscle test, Faber test, and Slocum drawer test) on 2 separate occasions using a valid assessment tool. Accuracy of each peer-assessment score was examined through percentage correct scores. We used a generalizability study to determine how reliable athletic training students were in assessing a peer performing the aforementioned skills. Decision studies using generalizability theory demonstrated how the peer-assessment scores were affected by the number of participants and number of occasions. Results: Participants had a high percentage of correct scores: 96.84% for the middle deltoid manual muscle test, 94.83% for the Faber test, and 97.13% for the Slocum drawer test. They were not able to reliably assess a peer performing any of the psychomotor skills on only 1 occasion. However, the ϕ increased (exceeding the 0.70 minimal standard) when 2 participants assessed the skill on 3 occasions (ϕ = 0.79) for the Faber test, with 1 participant on 2 occasions (ϕ = 0.76) for the Slocum drawer test, and with 3 participants on 2 occasions for the middle deltoid manual muscle test (ϕ = 0.72). Conclusions: Although students did not detect all errors, they assessed their peers with an average of 96% accuracy. Having only 1 student assess a peer performing certain psychomotor skills was less reliable than having more than 1 student assess those skills on more than 1 occasion. Peer assessment of psychomotor skills could be an important part of the learning process and a tool to supplement instructor assessment.

Download Full-text

Athletic Training Students' Perceptions of the Immersive Clinical Experience and its Influence on their Development

Athletic Training Education Journal ◽

10.4085/1947-380x-20-31 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 32-41

Author(s):

Anna M. Grimes ◽

Elizabeth R. Neil ◽

Cameron M. Eldred ◽

Stacy E. Walker ◽

Zachary J. Dougal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Student Perceptions ◽

Athletic Training ◽

Clinical Experience ◽

Clinical Education ◽

Financial Burden ◽

Clinical Experiences ◽

Athletic Training Students ◽

Athletic Training Student ◽

Athletic Training Program Directors ◽

Quality Learning

Context Immersive clinical experiences are critical clinical education components in athletic training. Program directors have indicated potential isolation from peers and faculty, a financial burden, and less engagement in quality learning during immersive clinical experiences. Objective To explore athletic training students' perceptions of the immersive clinical experience as it pertains to their development. Design Qualitative study. Setting Individual virtual interviews. Patients or Other Participants A total of 15 athletic training students who participated in the immersive clinical experience in the last 9 months took part in our study (males = 4, females = 11; age = 25 ± 5 years, range = 21–36 years). Data Collection and Analysis We conducted interviews and recorded and transcribed them verbatim. We developed a codebook using the consensual qualitative research tradition to identify domains and categories. Trustworthiness was established using member-checking, multiple researchers, and an auditor. Results Athletic training student perceptions of the immersive clinical experience revealed 2 domains: exposure and improved preparation for clinical practice. From increased exposure, participants gained additional experience with administrative duties, communication and relationships, interprofessional and collaborative practice, an increased quantity and quality of patient encounters, and preceptor influence on learning opportunities. From improved preparation, participants experienced socialization in which they were more integrated in facility activities, gained a greater appreciation for the value of the profession, had greater autonomy and inclusion, and perceived more value in the immersive clinical experience than in nonimmersive experiences. Conclusions Athletic training students who participate in immersive clinical experiences feel that they have increased exposure to athletic training practice and improved preparation for transition to practice.

Download Full-text

Athletic Training Student Active Learning Time With and Without the Use of Bug-in-Ear Technology

Athletic Training Education Journal ◽

10.4085/1204225 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 225-233 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Sara L. Nottingham ◽

Melissa M. Montgomery ◽

Tricia M. Kasamatsu

Keyword(s):

Active Learning ◽

Athletic Training ◽

Clinical Education ◽

Training Programs ◽

New Technology ◽

Principal Investigator ◽

Athletic Training Students ◽

Student Interactions ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Learning Time

Context: Clinical education experiences that actively engage students in patient care are important to the development of competent clinicians. It is important to assess athletic training students' time spent clinically and explore new technology that may facilitate more active learning during clinical education. Objective: To assess athletic training students' active learning time with and without the use of bug-in-ear technology. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: High school, rehabilitation clinic, and college/university clinical sites affiliated with 3 Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited undergraduate athletic training programs. Patients or Other Participants: Thirteen athletic training students (11 females, 2 males; 22.0 ± 1.8 years old, 1.8 ± 0.9 years enrolled in the current athletic training program) and 8 preceptors (5 females, 3 males; 35.4 ± 10.4 years old, 3.5 ± 2.9 years of experience as a preceptor) volunteered for this study. Intervention(s): The principal investigator observed preceptor-student interactions on 2 control days and 2 days using bug-in-ear technology. Participants and the principal investigator assessed students' active learning time at each observation period using the Athletic Training Clinical Education Time Framework. Main Outcome Measure(s): Minutes spent on instructional, clinical, managerial, engaged waiting, and down time as recorded on the Athletic Training Clinical Education Time Framework. Parametric (analysis of variance) and nonparametric (Wilcoxon signed-rank and Kruskal-Wallis) tests compared the perceived amount of time spent in each category between technologies and roles. Results: Bug-in-ear technology resulted in less time on managerial tasks (8.2% ± 5.1% versus 14.6% ± 9.8%; P < .01) and instruction (10.7% versus 12.7%, P < .01). The researcher observed significantly more unengaged waiting time than both the students and preceptors (both P < .01) perceived. Conclusions: Bug-in-ear technology may decrease managerial time and spoken instruction during clinical experiences. Preceptors and students significantly underestimate the amount of unengaged time spent during clinical education, which is of concern. Athletic training programs may also benefit from assessing and improving students' time spent actively learning during clinical education.

Download Full-text

Is Direct Supervision in Clinical Education for Athletic Training Students Always Necessary to Enhance Student Learning?

Athletic Training Education Journal ◽

10.4085/1947-380x-4.1.32 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 32-37 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Kent Scriber ◽

Cindy Trowbridge

Keyword(s):

Student Learning ◽

Athletic Training ◽

Clinical Experience ◽

Clinical Education ◽

Action Plan ◽

Athletic Training Students ◽

Direct Supervision ◽

Clinical Supervisors ◽

Athletic Training Student ◽

Present Information

Objective: To present an alternative model of supervision within clinical education experiences. Background: Several years ago direct supervision was defined more clearly in the accreditation standards for athletic training education programs (ATEPs). Currently, athletic training students may not gain any clinical experience without their clinical supervisors being physically present so that the supervisors may intervene at any point if necessary. Although we do not disagree with the spirit of this requirement, we present information regarding the changing generation of students and the importance of developing strong professionals who will represent our field in the ever-changing allied health care arena. Clinical Advantages: We believe student learning may take place without direct supervision and that a system of guided autonomy with meaningful and dynamic reflection may better prepare the student for the future. W e feel that limited aspects of an athletic training student's clinical experience may not always need direct supervision. If students are performing skills that are not in violation of any professional practice acts, their interest and learning may increase with a guided autonomy model, as opposed to direct supervision. For example, once an athletic training student has mastered skills like taping, stretching, and initiating an emergency action plan, they should be able to effectively and safely perform these aspects without direct supervision. We suggest that students may continue to learn, and benefit from an educational standpoint, while gaining a limited portion of their experiential learning requirement without direct supervision.

Download Full-text

Reflective Observation in the Clinical Education Setting: A Way to Promote Learning

Athletic Training Education Journal ◽

10.4085/100132 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 32-38 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽

Thomas G. Bowman ◽

Sarah S. Benes

Keyword(s):

Athletic Training ◽

Student Development ◽

Clinical Education ◽

Observational Learning ◽

Visual Learning ◽

Learning Experiences ◽

Learning Preferences ◽

Athletic Training Students ◽

Athletic Training Student ◽

National Athletic Trainers Association

Context Clinical experiences help athletic training students gain real-time learning experiences by engaging in patient care. Observational learning has been identified as important to athletic training student development, yet little is known about its effectiveness. Objective To explore the athletic training students' perspectives on their experiences in the clinical education setting, particularly examining the effectiveness of observational learning. Design Qualitative study. Setting Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)-accredited undergraduate programs. Patients or Other Participants Twenty-four athletic training students (7 juniors and 17 seniors) from 4 National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) districts volunteered to participant in our study. The average age was 21 years (range, 20–23 years). Main Outcome Measure(s) Participants responded to a series of open-ended questions by journaling their thoughts and opinions through the secure Web site QuestionPro. Questions examined clinical education experiences and learning preferences. The resulting data were analyzed using a general inductive procedure, and credibility was established by employing peer review, member checks, and multiple analyst triangulation. Results Our analysis revealed that observational learning can benefit students when academic standing is considered, the circumstances are right, and it allows for directed mentoring. Our participants valued opportunities to engage in observational learning, as long as it was limited and purposeful. Conclusions All 24 participants identified themselves as hands-on learners who preferred to be actively engaged during their learning experiences, but who also valued opportunities to observe their preceptors demonstrating and modeling appropriate skills and behaviors before engaging in the same practices themselves. Today's student, the millennial, appears to favor visual learning, which may partially explain why our cohort of athletic training students described observational learning as advantageous in certain situations.

Download Full-text

Prevalence and Predictors of Burnout in Athletic Training Students: A Comparison of Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Athletic Training Education Journal ◽

10.4085/1947-380x-20-22 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 101-111

Author(s):

Ashlyne Paige Vineyard ◽

Andrew Gallucci ◽

Kathleen Adair ◽

Leslie Oglesby ◽

Kristina White ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Graduate Students ◽

Athletic Training ◽

Social Stress ◽

Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Personal Accomplishment ◽

Athletic Training Students ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Survey Responses

Context Burnout is a psychological syndrome consisting of increased emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and decreased personal accomplishment (PA). To date, examinations of burnout among athletic training students (ATS) is limited. Objective To determine prevalence and antecedents of burnout among ATS. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Web-based survey. Patients or Other Participants Students enrolled in athletic training programs (ATP). Intervention(s) A survey assessed demographics, stressors, and burnout measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Services Survey. Main Outcome Measure(s) Multiple regression analyses were used to determine relationships between variables. Results A total of 725 students participated. Most respondents were undergraduates (n = 582, 80%), female (n = 518, 71%), Caucasian (n = 564, 78%), and single (n = 422, 58%). Mean burnout scores for EE, DP, and PA were 33 ± 10, 17 ± 4.5, and 39 ± 5.8, respectively. Survey responses showed that 70.8% of undergraduate and 62.9% of graduate students reported high EE. All the students (100%) in both samples reported high DP. Undergraduates pursuing internships or residencies (b = −7.69, P < .001) and who were currently enrolled in non–Division I institutions (b = −2.90, P < .01) had decreased EE. Increased stress revealed increased EE (overall stress: b = 3.11, P < .001; social stress: b = 1.32, P < .05; class stress: b = 1.45, P < .05). Increases in clinical hours also related to increased EE (b = 1.49, P < .001). Those pursuing internships or residencies (b = −2.10, P < .05) and who were female (b = −2.10, P < .05) reported decreased DP. Being married (b = 2.87, P < .01), increased clinical hours (b = 0.77, P < .001), and social stress (b = 0.59, P < .05) resulted in increased DP. Increased PA was seen in students intending to pursue graduate education (b = 1.76, P < .05) and female students (b = 1.17, P < .05). Graduate students' stress levels revealed increased EE (b = 6.57, P < .01) and DP (b = 0.98, P < .05). Conclusions Differences exist between undergraduate and graduate burnout scores and associated predictors. Further research is needed to identify student responses to burnout.

Download Full-text

Description of Professional Master's Athletic Training Programs

Athletic Training Education Journal ◽

10.4085/100139 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 39-46 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Thomas G. Bowman ◽

William A. Pitney ◽

Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽

Thomas M. Dodge

Keyword(s):

Student Learning ◽

Athletic Training ◽

Clinical Education ◽

Training Programs ◽

Retention Rate ◽

Retention Rates ◽

Athletic Training Student ◽

Career Placement ◽

Data Saturation ◽

Using Data

Context Professional master's (PM) athletic training programs (ATPs) are becoming more popular as the profession debates what the entry-level degree should be for athletic training. More information is needed related to the potential benefits of PM ATPs. Objective Describe the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accredited PM ATPs including athletic training student retention rates and career placement rates as well as strengths and areas for improvement. Design Mixed-method study. Setting Professional master's ATPs. Patients or Other Participants We surveyed directors of all accredited PM ATPs and obtained responses from 15 out of the 25 directors (60.0%). Main Outcome Measure(s) We sent a link to an electronic survey to all directors. The survey asked background questions about the ATP, the institution, and the director. Using data saturation as a guide, we also performed follow-up telephone interviews with 8 directors to expand upon the data gathered in the survey, specifically related to aspects of their PM ATPs. We analyzed the data using grounded theory and maintained trustworthiness through multiple analyst triangulation, member checks, and a peer review. Results Our findings indicate an 88.7% retention rate and an 88.5% career placement rate for PM athletic training students. The directors responded very positively about their ATPs, particularly didactic education. The participants also felt they provide a positive environment which fosters student learning, excellent clinical education opportunities, and unique experiences beyond those typically offered at the undergraduate level. Many directors also noted they wanted to make personnel modifications to strengthen their ATPs. Conclusions We were able to provide descriptive information on PM ATPs. The participants described the didactic and clinical education experiences, social experiences, and overall ATP atmosphere as overwhelmingly positive. The small class sizes and involvement from faculty, staff, and preceptors helped create an environment, which fosters athletic training student learning.

Download Full-text