scholarly journals Orientation Process for Newly Credentialed Athletic Trainers in the Transition to Practice

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 292-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley B. Thrasher ◽  
Stacy E. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Transition To Practice ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Orientation Process ◽  
Policies And Procedures ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis

Context: Orientation is an important part of socialization and transition to practice, yet the orientation process for newly credentialed athletic trainers (ATs) is unknown.Objective: To determine how newly credentialed ATs are oriented to their roles.Design: Cross-sectional study.Setting: Online survey.Patients or Other Participants: Three hundred thirty-two of 1835 newly credentialed ATs (18%) certified and employed between January and September of 2013 completed the survey (129 men, 203 women; age = 23.58 ± 2.54 years).Data Collection and Analysis: The survey consisted of demographic information (eg, employment setting, job title) and 2 sections: (1) orientation tactics and (2) usefulness of orientation tactics. For the first section, participants identified if various orientation tactics were included in their orientations (eg, policies and procedures review). For the second section, participants identified how useful each orientation tactic was on a Likert scale (1 = not useful, 4 = very useful). Descriptive statistics were calculated for each survey item. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to determine differences between demographic characteristics and orientation tactics. A Bonferroni correction accounted for multiple comparisons. A panel of experts established the content validity of the survey. The Cronbach α was used to establish internal consistency (α = 0.802)Results: The most common orientation tactics were meeting with supervisors (n = 276, 82.9%) and staff members (eg, coaches; n = 266, 79.9%) and learning responsibilities (n = 254, 76.2%). The least common orientation tactics were simulation of the emergency action plan (n = 66, 19.8%) and preceptor development (n = 71, 21.3%); however, preceptor development was not applicable to many participants. The most useful orientation tactics were simulating the emergency action plan (3.45/4.0) and meeting with staff members (3.44/4.0). Participants who felt their orientation prepared them for their roles were exposed to more tactics during orientation (Mann-Whitney U = 17 212, P < .001).Conclusions: Many tactics were used to orient newly credentialed ATs to their roles, but orientations varied based on the practice setting.

scholarly journals Newly Credentialed Athletic Trainers' Perceptions of Their Transition to Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley B. Thrasher ◽  
Stacy E. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Organizational Values ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Transition To Practice ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Organizational Transition ◽  
Administrative Procedures ◽  
Strongly Agree

Context Newly credentialed athletic trainers (ATs) have reported stress and role ambiguity during the transition to practice. Previous researchers focused on their qualitative experiences, yet no investigators have explored how characteristics such as the setting or type of educational program affect the transition to practice. Objective To determine how newly credentialed ATs perceived their transition to practice. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Online survey. Patients or Other Participants Of 1835 newly credentialed ATs (18%) certified and employed between January and September, 332 completed the survey within 3 months of employment (129 men, 203 women; age = 23.58 ± 2.54 years). Main Outcome Measure(s) The survey consisted of demographic information (eg, employment setting, job title) and 3 sections: (1) comfort level during the transition (CL), (2) feelings of mentorship and support (MS), and (3) feelings of organizational transition. Participants identified their feelings of nervousness, support, and understanding organizational values using a Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 4 = strongly agree). Descriptive statistics were calculated for each survey item. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis (H) tests were used to determine associations between different demographic characteristics and responses regarding orientation and CL, MS, and feelings of organizational transition. Results Most participants agreed or strongly agreed that they felt nervous (n = 264, 79.2%) and that the transition was stressful (n = 227, 68.1%) but they felt prepared for their job (n = 262, 78.7%). No differences in CL were present among settings (H = 5.64, P = .228), job titles (H = 4.88, P = .087), or types of professional program (U = 6488, P = .279). Respondents who were assigned a mentor reported better perceptions of MS (U = 6250, P < .001). Most participants felt that supervisors adequately explained administrative procedures during orientation (n = 169, 54.3%) and felt they were adequately oriented to organizational values (n = 252, 75.7%). Conclusions New ATs felt nervous when entering their new role, but having a mentor and receiving a detailed orientation helped alleviate stress during the transition to practice.

scholarly journals The Self-Efficacy of Certified Athletic Trainers in Assessing and Managing Sport-Related Concussions

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (10) ◽  
pp. 983-989 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Savage ◽  
Tracey Covassin
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The Self ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Certified Athletic Trainers

Context:  Diagnostic and return-to-play assessments of athletes with sport-related concussions (SRCs) have changed dramatically over the past decade. Currently, SRC assessment and management has taken a multifaceted approach, with new SRC measures being developed yearly. However, to date, no researchers have examined certified athletic trainers' (ATs') self-efficacy in assessing and managing a patient with an SRC. Objective:  To examine the self-efficacy of ATs in assessing and managing athletes with SRCs, with a secondary purpose of examining job setting (high school and college). Design:  Cross-sectional study. Setting:  Web-based questionnaire. Patients or Other Participants:  A total of 94 ATs (high school setting = 54.3%, n = 51; collegiate setting = 45.7%, n = 43) completed an online survey, for a response rate of 9.2%. Main Outcome Measure(s):  The survey contained 3 primary subsections: demographics, self-efficacy in assessing SRCs, and self-efficacy in managing SRCs. Possible self-efficacy ratings for SRC assessment and management in the survey ranged from 0 to 100. Multivariate analyses of variance were performed to identify differences in the self-efficacy of high school and collegiate ATs in assessing and managing athletes with SRCs. Results:  The self-efficacy of all 94 participants in their assessment of SRCs was 60.34 ± 14.5 and in their management of SRCs was 55.30 ± 14.1. Collegiate ATs reported higher self-efficacy in the assessment of SRCs using balance (P < .001) and the King-Devick test (P = .04), and their responses approached significance for vestibular-ocular motor screening (P = .05). Additionally, their self-efficacy in the management of SRCs was greater using balance (P < .001) and vestibular-ocular therapy (P = .01) compared with high school ATs. Conclusions:  Athletic trainers had moderate self-efficacy regarding their assessment and management of SRCs. Collegiate ATs had higher self-efficacy in newer SRC assessment and management tools than high school ATs.

scholarly journals Perspectives on Parenthood and Working of Female Athletic Trainers in the Secondary School and Collegiate Settings

2010 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 459-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leamor Kahanov ◽  
Alice R. Loebsack ◽  
Matthew A. Masucci ◽  
Jeff Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Work And Family ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Employment Setting ◽  
National Athletic Trainers Association ◽  
Original Survey

Abstract Context: Female athletic trainers (ATs) are currently underrepresented in the collegiate setting. Parenting and family obligations may play a role in this underrepresentation. Objective: To examine female ATs' perspectives on parenting and working in the secondary school and collegiate employment settings. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Online survey. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 1000 nonstudent, female certified ATs who were currently members of the National Athletic Trainers' Association. Main Outcome Measure(s): An original survey was developed to assess perceptions related to motherhood and work responsibilities. Descriptive statistics were used to assess age, years of experience as a certified AT, employment position, and parent or nonparent status. A correlation matrix was conducted to determine factors among parent and nonparent status, perceptions of motherhood, and employment-setting decisions. Results: Of the 1000 surveys sent via e-mail, 411 (41.1%) female ATs responded. Responses indicated that a majority of the female ATs worked in the secondary school setting. Sixty-one percent of the respondents did not have children. Past female ATs' experiences indicated a perception that motherhood created more challenges or struggles (or both) in the work and family settings. Whether parents considered children a factor in employment-setting changes produced conflicting results: no significant correlations or differences were found among responses. Conclusions: Parenting considerations had influences on both the home and employment settings. Although parents and nonparents had different views on the implications of parenting in the workplace, both groups agreed that parenting could affect the work environment and the choice to change employment settings and careers. Administrative decisions need to be considered in relation to parenting concerns. Mentoring that includes employment-setting choices relative to life goals should be provided to ATs, regardless of sex.

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

2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 394-404 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Knowledge of Triad and RED-S in Female Cross-Country Athletes and Support Staff

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa T. Lodge ◽  
Kathryn E Ackerman ◽  
Jessica Garay
Keyword(s):  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Relative Energy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Energy Deficiency ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Cross Country ◽  
And Performance

ABSTRACT CONTEXT: Female endurance athletes exhibit an increased risk of Female Athlete Triad (Triad) and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Triad and RED-S are conditions that explore the health and performance consequences of low energy availability (LEA). Few studies to date have assessed the knowledge that athletes, coaches, and athletic trainers (ATs) have regarding Triad/RED-S. Proper education has been shown to be effective in increasing knowledge of sports medicine concerns for athletes. Yet, there are no known continuing education programs for Triad/RED-S at collegiate institutions. OBJECTIVE: The primary purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, confidence, and impact of identifying, screening, treating, and preventing Triad/RED-S. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: An evidence-based online survey was developed and administered via QualtricsTM. PARTICIPANTS: Female collegiate cross-country athletes (n = 275; 20 ± 1 yrs.), collegiate cross-country coaches (n = 55, 34 ± 9 yrs.), and ATs working with cross-country teams (n = 30, 36 ± 11 yrs.). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Knowledge, confidence, and impact scores were assessed between groups using ANOVA. Independent t-tests were used to determine differences in impact scores between people who had or had not received education. RESULTS: Female cross-country athletes' total knowledge, confidence, and impact scores (mean scores of 25.00 ± 5.27, 95.42 ± 28.83, 18.81 ± 7.05 respectively) were significantly different from scores of coaches (mean scores of 26.92 ± 5.02, 111.35 ± 24.14 and 22.41 ± 6.33) and ATs (mean scores of 28.66 ± 4.02, 117.67 ± 22.53, and 23.93 ± 5.69) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge, confidence, and impact scores of Triad/RED-S were lowest in female cross-country athletes and highest in ATs. These findings support the call for education, which should be regarded as the primary tool to increase knowledge to improve the prevention and treatment of Triad/RED-S.

scholarly journals Changing attitudes towards annual influenza vaccination amongst staff in a Tertiary Care Irish University Hospital

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma C. Kearns ◽  
Ian Callanan ◽  
Ann O’Reilly ◽  
Aisling Purcell ◽  
Niamh Tuohy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Changing Attitudes

Abstract Background Healthcare workers are encouraged annually to get vaccinated against influenza. This year in view of COVID-19 pandemic, attitudes of HCWs towards vaccination are particularly important. A cross-sectional study was completed to understand how to best encourage and facilitate the vaccination of HCWs based on the previous years’ findings. Methods An online survey was disseminated to all hospital staff via electronic channels. The clinical audit sphinx software was used for data collection and analysis. Results The total number of responses was n = 728, almost double the rate from 2018 (N = 393). A total of 78% (N = 551) of participants were vaccinated last year. A total of 94% (N = 677) of participants reported their intention to be vaccinated this year. The main barriers listed were being unable to find time (32%, N = 36), side effects (30%, N = 33) and thinking that it does not work (21%, N = 23). The most popular suggestions for how to increase uptake were more mobile immunisation clinics (72%, N = 517) and more information on the vaccine (50%, N = 360). A total of 82% of participants (N = 590) agreed that healthcare workers should be vaccinated, with 56% (N = 405) agreeing that it should be mandatory. Of the participants who were not vaccinated last year (N = 159), 40% (N = 63) agreed that COVID-19 had changed their opinion on influenza immunisation with a further 11% (N = 18) strongly agreeing. Discussion In light of the increasing number of survey participants, more staff were interested in flu vaccination this year than ever before. The COVID-19 pandemic has had some influence on staff’s likelihood to be vaccinated. Feasibility of immunisation and education posed the largest barriers to HCW vaccination.

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

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.

scholarly journals Concussion-Prevention Strategies Used in National Collegiate Athletic Association Divisions I and II Women's Soccer

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (5) ◽  
pp. 469-474
Author(s):  
Kori K. Jeffries ◽  
Tedd J. Girouard ◽  
Richard D. Tandy ◽  
Kara N. Radzak
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Division I ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Knowledge And Beliefs ◽  
Women's Soccer

Context Whereas much attention has been paid to identifying mechanisms for decreasing concussion rates in women's soccer players, which strategies are currently being used is unknown. In addition, athletic trainers' (ATs') knowledge and beliefs about the efficacy of concussion-prevention practices have not been studied. Objectives To evaluate the concussion-prevention strategies being used in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and Division II women's soccer and identify the beliefs of certified ATs regarding mechanisms for preventing concussion. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Online survey. Patients or Other Participants A total of 223 women's soccer team ATs employed at Division I or II universities. Main Outcome Measure(s) A survey instrument of structured questions and open-ended, follow-up questions was developed to identify the use of cervical-strengthening programs, headgear, and other techniques for preventing concussion. Questions also addressed ATs' beliefs regarding the effectiveness of cervical strengthening, headgear, and mouthguards in concussion prevention. Data were collected via questionnaire in Qualtrics survey software. Descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages were calculated for close-ended questions. Open-ended questions were evaluated for common themes, which were then reported by response frequency. Results Cervical strengthening or stability for concussion prevention was reported by 38 (17.12%) respondents; 153 (69.86%) ATs believed that cervical strengthening would aid in concussion prevention. Seventy-eight (35.49%) reported that their players wore headgear. Nineteen (8.76%) believed that soccer headgear prevented concussions; 45 (20.74%) believed that mouthguards prevented concussions. Education in proper soccer technique was reported by 151 (69.59%) respondents. Fourteen (0.06%) respondents cited nutritional strategies for concussion prevention. Conclusions Although ATs believed that cervical strengthening could help prevent concussions, few had implemented this strategy. However, the ATs whose teams used headgear outnumbered those who believed that headgear was an effective prevention strategy. Based on our findings, we saw a disconnect among the current use of concussion-prevention strategies, ATs' beliefs, and the available evidence.

Does Dispositional Mindfulness Predict the Development of Grit?

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Buaphrao Raphiphatthana ◽  
Paul Jose ◽  
Karen Salmon
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Dispositional Mindfulness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Report Data ◽  
Self Report Data ◽  
Acting With Awareness ◽  
Mindfulness Facets

Abstract. Grit, that is, perseverance and passion for long-term goals, is a novel construct that has gained attention in recent years ( Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews, & Kelly, 2007 ). To date, little research has been performed with the goal of identifying the antecedents of grit. Thus, in order to fill this gap in the literature, self-report data were collected to examine whether mindfulness, a mindset of being-in-the-present in a nonjudgmental way, plays a role in fostering grittiness. Three hundred and forty-three undergraduate students completed an online survey once in a cross-sectional study, and of these, 74 students completed the survey again 4.5 months later. Although the cross-sectional analyses identified a number of positive associations between mindfulness and grit, the longitudinal analysis revealed that the mindfulness facets of acting with awareness and non-judging were the most important positive predictors of grit 4.5 months later. This set of findings offers implications for future grit interventions.

Learning Electrocardiogram Interpretation: Insights from Residents and a Proposed Solution in an Observational Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Alakchar ◽  
Abdisamad M. Ibrahim ◽  
Mohsin Salih ◽  
Mukul Bhattarai ◽  
Nitin Tandan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Medicine ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Resident Attitudes ◽  
Internal Medicine Residents ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Degree Of Participation ◽  
Electrocardiogram Interpretation

BACKGROUND Interpretation of electrocardiograms (EKG) is an essential tool for every physician. Despite this, the diagnosis of life-threatening pathology on EKG remains suboptimal in trainees. The purpose of this study is to study resident attitudes and behaviours towards EKGs, and describe an innovative way to teach EKGs. OBJECTIVE Study attitudes and behaviours towards EKGs. Describe an innovative way to teach EKGs. METHODS Design: An observational cross-sectional study through an anonymous online survey of resident attitudes and comfort with EKG interpretation. This was followed by creation of a WhatsApp group for discussion and interpretation of EKGs with peers. At the end of the day, the official EKG interpretation was posted. Setting: Internal medicine residency at Southern Illinois University. Participants: Internal medicine residents Interventions: Creation of WhatsApp group to aid with EKG interpretation Measurements: A 17 item questionnaire, followed by detection of degree of participation in a WhatsApp group. RESULTS Forty-one out of 63 residents (65%) completed the survey. 85% of respondents thought that an interactive way to teach EKGs is the best method of teaching, and 73% did not feel confident interpreting EKGs. 30% often rely on automated EKG interpretation. Further analysis indicated that PGY-1 residents reported ordering fewer EKGs (correlation coefficient -0.399, p = 0.012) and were uncomfortable diagnosing QT prolongation on an EKG (correlation coefficient -0.310, p = 0.049). Residents in the third or greater year of training ordered more EKGs (correlation coefficient 0.379, p = 0.015), less frequently relied on the computer for EKG diagnosis (correlation coefficient 0.399, p = 0.010), and were comfortable diagnosing an acute myocardial infarction and atrial arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, most IM trainees do not feel comfortable interpreting EKG, however, this does improve with PGY year. WhatsApp is a possible platform for teaching EKGs.

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