Situational Supervision for Athletic Training Clinical Education

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda S. Levy ◽  
Greg Gardner ◽  
Mary G. Barnum ◽  
K. Sean Willeford ◽  
Patrick Sexton ◽  
...  

Introduction: The medical education model provides the basis for athletic training students to learn theoretical and practical skills. Clinical rotations are completed where they apply what they have learned under the direct supervision of a clinical instructor (CI) or approved clinical instructor (ACI). Approved clinical instructors are taught how to evaluate athletic training students' clinical skills and proficiencies, yet are left to decide for themselves how students should be supervised. No formal supervision training is required for potential CIs/ACIs. Situational Supervision is one potential model that can be used by athletic training educators to provide guidance to CIs/ACIs regarding student supervision. This model provides a method for students to be supervised according to their knowledge base, experience and self-confidence. Objective: To present the Situational Supervision Model that can be used to develop athletic training students' clinical skills. Background: Based on Blanchard and Hersey's Situational Leadership, Situational Supervision provides CIs/ACIs with one supervision model that can be used in athletic training clinical education. Description: As students become more comfortable with clinical skills and mature in motivation and competence, CIs/ACIs need to adapt supervision styles to match the students' progressing development. Clinical Advantages: Using situational supervision, clinical instruction becomes a cooperative interaction between CIs/ACIs and athletic training students that is dependent on the students' needs and abilities, which may result in higher satisfaction and production for both the students and the CIs/ACIs.

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Christianne M. Eason ◽  
Sara Nottingham ◽  
Jessica L. Barrett

Context: Mentorship is a developmental process whereby a novice individual, as he/she becomes inducted into his/her area of expertise, is guided by a more experienced person. Speculation exists that years of experience can impact this relationship. Objective: To determine the impact mentoring can have on athletic training student development and evaluate if experience as a preceptor is viewed as influential on the mentor experience. Design: Mixed-methods study. Setting: Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education accredited programs. Patients or Other Participants: We recruited 17 (14 females, 3 males) athletic training students to participate in our study. On average, our participants were 21 ± 1 years old and represented varying levels of academic standing (1 sophomore, 9 juniors, 7 seniors). All participants indicated they currently had a mentor when asked directly. Main Outcome Measure(s): Participants responded to the Athletic Training Perceptions of Effective Mentoring survey and 14 open-ended interview questions regarding their perceptions of mentoring. An inductive approach was used to identify themes and supporting categories. Trustworthiness was established by using multiple-analyst triangulation, peer review and piloting of the instruments, and triangulation of data using a mixed-methods approach. Results: Athletic training students perceive their mentoring experiences as those that provide support and understanding, advance their clinical practice, and allow for the development of career goals. Age and experience did not appear to impact the overall experience of the student but rather facilitates the type of mentoring relationship developed. Conclusions: Mentoring was perceived to be an advantageous aspect of the socialization process for the athletic training student. It provided support and understanding during times of increased stress, allowed for the development of clinical skills, and provided the chance to cultivate a professional identity.


Author(s):  
Hannah Stedge ◽  
Valerie Herzog

Purpose: Athletic training clinical education provides students with a variety of real-life patient encounters under the supervision of a credentialed athletic trainer. However, clinical education experiences may not allow for all students to practice more invasive or less common skills such as rectal thermometry. The purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) determine the effect of a series of low to high-fidelity simulated rectal thermometry experiences on athletic training students’ self-confidence scores; and 2) through a phenomenological qualitative approach, explore athletic training students’ perceptions following the simulated rectal thermometry experiences. Method: This study used a quasi-experimental, mixed methods, one-group repeated measures design. Participants were nine first year professional Master of Athletic Training students who completed four simulated experiences on the skill of rectal thermometry. The outcome measures were The Athletic Trainer’s Self-Confidence Scale (ATSCS) and qualitative semi-structured open-ended interviews. Results: Friedman’s ANOVA revealed a statistically significant improvement from the participant’s baseline ATSCS scores to the last post-test scores. We identified three major themes following qualitative interviews: 1) Perception changes before and after participation; 2) Benefits of a series of four simulations; 3) Explanations for the improvements in confidence and competence. Conclusions: A series of simulated learning activities using high-fidelity and standardized patient interactions can help improve athletic training students’ self-confidence. Though future research is needed, athletic training education programs should consider implementing simulated experiences to equip athletic training students to transition to practice.


2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia A. Aronson ◽  
Thomas G. Bowman ◽  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle

Context The perceptions of athletic training students (ATSs) regarding their clinical education experiences are not fully understood. It is important to investigate ATS perceptions of clinical education to allow athletic training educators to provide educational experiences that will maximize learning. Objective To determine what ATSs value during their clinical education experiences. Design Qualitative study. Setting Participants completed an electronic preceptor evaluation. Patients or Other Participants Nineteen (14 female, 5 male; average age = 22 ± 1 years) senior ATSs over 2 years enrolled in a Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited athletic training program participated in our study. Participants came from 1 Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited athletic training program in the Mid-Atlantic region. Data Collection and Analysis We asked seniors to evaluate their final clinical education experience by completing an open-ended questionnaire. We analyzed the data following the principles of grounded theory. We negotiated over the coding scheme until we reached full agreement, performed a peer review, and conducted member checks to ensure trustworthiness of the results. Results Three major themes emerged from the data. Athletic training students enjoy interacting with preceptors who act as appropriate professional role models. Our participants also found value in being able to develop their clinical skills with appropriate situational supervision. Finally, ATSs appreciate when preceptors teach them new information by stimulating their critical thinking skills. Conclusions To help provide positive learning environments for senior ATSs, athletic training education administrators should select preceptors who can successfully model professional responsibilities, present ATSs with authentic learning experiences, and promote higher-level thinking. We believe providing ATSs with exposure to preceptors who can meet these criteria may better prepare students for professional practice, alter persistence decisions, and should be a goal of clinical experiences for the benefit of ATSs.


Author(s):  
David Berry ◽  
Jennifer Popp

Purpose: Research suggests skill decay occurs with emergency skills, such as supplemental oxygen administration (OA), since the frequency of medical emergencies in clinical settings is low. Identifying the presence and timeline for skill decay allows educators to employ strategies to prevent this occurrence. Therefore, this study evaluated retention of knowledge and clinical skills associated with supplemental oxygen administration, specifically nasal cannula (NC) and non-rebreather mask (NrM) usage in professional athletic training students. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Twenty-nine athletic training students (males=11, females=18; age=21.03+1.38) enrolled in a Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)-accredited professional athletic training programs. Participants’ supplemental oxygen administration knowledge and skills was assessed five times (baseline-T4). The baseline assessment was followed by an educational review session. Participants’ knowledge and skills were re-assessed (T1) and then randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group’s supplemental oxygen administration knowledge and skills were re-evaluated at 1-month (T2), 3-months (T3), and 6-months (T4). The control at 6-months (T4). Results: Analysis revealed no significant differences between the groups on knowledge (F2,54=.15, P=.86) and overall clinical skills (F2,54=1.52, P=.23). A significant main effect for time on knowledge (F2,54=65.30, P1.89,50.98=112.55, P1.55,41.88=108.03, P Conclusions: Both groups retained supplemental oxygen administration knowledge over 6-months. Conversely, nasal cannula and non-rebreather mask skills decayed from review session to 6-month follow-up. Regular rehearsal and practice of acute care clinical skills should be integrated into educational programs to avoid decay of skills. Since these skills are not frequently utilized in the clinical education environment, integrating opportunities to practice these skills to maintain the competence level of students and prepare them for clinical practice is warranted.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 161-167
Author(s):  
Dani M. Moffit ◽  
Jamie L. Mansell ◽  
Anne C. Russ

Context: Accrediting bodies and universities increasingly require evidence of student learning within courses and programs. Within athletic training, programmatic assessment has been a source of angst for program directors. While there are many ways to assess educational programs, this article introduces 1 systematic approach. Objective: This article describes the steps necessary to create an assessment plan that meets the needs of the accrediting body, the program, and the athletic training students. Background: Assessment helps determine if the program's goals and objectives are meeting the athletic training students' needs. Program review cannot be accomplished in a manner that is helpful unless the assessment plan is systematic, planned, and ongoing. Recommendation(s): Effective and systematic assessment plans provide a framework for program evaluation, modification, and improvement. Conclusion(s): Assessment should be an ongoing process which creates opportunities for active learning. Clinical education needs to be included in the overall programmatic assessment, as those courses provide application of didactic learning.


2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Thomas G. Bowman ◽  
Sarah S. Benes

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.


Author(s):  
Heather Hudson ◽  
Valerie Herzog

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that contribute to student persistence and gauge prospective athletic training students' perceptions of experiences that contributed to their persistence. Method: The Athletic Training Student Persistence-Revised Survey was developed to gather data about program attributes, social, academic, clinical integration, and program commitment. Institutional demographics, program demographics, and program attributes were collected during interviews. Surveys were administered online through SurveyMonkey. Survey data were returned anonymously by designated contact persons (Athletic Training Program Directors or Clinical Education Coordinators) for all freshmen prospective athletic training students enrolled in the athletic training introductory course/s. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric differences and correlations were calculated. The inductive process was used in coding open-ended data. Results: The Mann Whitney U test and Spearman Rho analysis demonstrated significant results. Program attributes along with clinical integration had the weakest correlations (r = -0.36 and r = -0.32, respectively), while academic integration and program commitment had the strongest (r = -0.58 and r = -0.76, respectively). No predictive variables were found. Qualitatively, persisters and non-persisters managed the pre-application period differently. Additionally, the rapport between athletes and athletic trainers serving as preceptors, the relationships between prospective athletic training students and extant athletic training students, and the mentorship displayed by athletic training students were all contributors to persistence. Conclusions: Communication between the athletic training program director and prospective athletic training students is vital, but the core of the study revealed that what transpires during clinical observation hours, within the introductory course/s, between athletic trainers and athletes, and between athletic training students/preceptors and prospective athletic training students are of even greater importance. The findings demonstrated that decisions to persist are the result of all parties and components associated with the athletic training program, not just one.


2006 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debbie I. Craig

Objective: Student learning of professionalism in athletic training education programs (ATEPs) can be varied and even elusive. The purpose of this article is to define professionalism and discuss its development in athletic training students. Background: Medical professions have studied extensively how students learn professionalism. However, with some studies reporting up to 90 different associated characteristics, no set definition of professionalism has been adopted. Students may learn professional behaviors in the classroom and the clinic. Research in medical education reports that a majority of this learning occurs in the clinical environment. Description: There are numerous ways to promote the learning of professionalism in athletic training students. After engaging each student personally in this pursuit, techniques such as communicating the mission and code of ethics of the National Athletic Trainers ' Association (NATA), clearly stating expectations the ATEP holds of students ' professional behavior, providing a variety of learning opportunities in different clinical settings, carefully selecting approved clinical instructors (ACIs), and using self-assessment and reflection are a few of the techniques recommended. The importance of the role of ACIs in the development of professional behaviors in athletic training students is stressed. Advantages: Without purposefully including the learning of professionalism in ATEP curriculums (the classroom and clinical experiences), students are at risk of not being prepared to represent and promote athletic training at the highest levels within the allied health professions.


2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 182-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽  
Thomas G. Bowman ◽  
Sarah S. Benes

Context Clinical experiences are an integral part of athletic training education and are where students gain the hands-on, practical knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality patient care in the field. However, some clinical education experiences may not allow athletic training students to become clinically integrated. Objective To explore athletic training students' perspectives on their clinical learning experiences, specifically as they relate to an engaging learning environment. Design Qualitative study. Setting Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education accredited undergraduate programs. Patients or Other Participants Twenty-one athletic training students (6 juniors; 15 seniors) with an average age of 22 years (20–23 years) from 4 National Athletic Trainers' Association districts volunteered to participate in our study. Data Collection and Analysis Participants responded to a series of open-ended questions by journaling their thoughts and opinions through the secure website QuestionPro. Data were analyzed using open coding that was guided by a general inductive procedure. Data credibility was established through peer review, interpretative member checks, and multiple analyst triangulation. Results Our cohort identified an engaging learning environment as one that allowed active learning and participation as an athletic trainer and included communication between the student and preceptor, patient interactions, and instructor feedback regarding development and application of skills and knowledge. Conclusions Athletic training students prefer a more active learning style and value observing their preceptor engage in patient care, but they also want the opportunity to practice their athletic training skills to gain competence and confidence.


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