Opioids and an Active Population: Athletic Trainers' Perceptions

Purpose: Opioid use, misuse, and abuse are occurring in both high school and collegiate athletes. There is limited research that examines athletic trainers' perceptions of opioids. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to investigate athletic trainers’ awareness and practice of opioids in an active population. Method: Qualitative inquiry was used to explore athletic trainers' awareness of opioids in an active population. Ten athletic trainers (7 male, 3 female) employed in the Northwest Athletic Training Association (6 collegiate, 4 high schools) volunteered for this study. Phone interviews were conducted in July to September 2017 with a semi-structured interview protocol. Interview data were analyzed inductively to uncover dominant themes, first by organizing the data, then summarizing into codes, and finally interpreting. Trustworthiness included both peer review and member checks. Results: Three themes emerged from this study regarding athletic trainers' practice with opioids: 1) athletic trainers have a responsibility to their patients regarding opioids, 2) communication with patients about opioids, and 3) athletic trainer perceived a lack of education regarding opioids. Conclusions: Evidence demonstrated that athletic trainers feel they have a role with opioids and their patients. While the majority of participants in this study did discuss opioids with their patients, athletic trainers felt they were lacking knowledge of opioids. Future research should explore athletic trainers’ knowledge and education surrounding opioids and an active population.

Patients perceptions of their general practitioners health and weight influences their perceptions of nutrition and exercise advice received

Journal of Primary Health Care ◽

10.1071/hc13301 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 301 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Sally Fraser ◽

Michael Leveritt ◽

Lauren Ball

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Health Status ◽

General Practitioners ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Weight Status ◽

Perceived Health ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Qualitative Inquiry ◽

Future Research ◽

Health Advice

INTRODUCTION: General practitioners (GPs) play an important role in the management of patients who are overweight or obese. Previous research suggests that GPs physical characteristics may influence patients perceptions of health care received during consultations, mediating the likelihood of patients following health advice provided by GPs. This study aimed to explore patients perceptions of their GPs health status and its influence on patients perceptions of healthy eating and exercise advice. METHODS: An interpretive approach to phenomenology underpinned the qualitative inquiry and study design. Twenty-one participants (aged 55.9 ± 6.5 years; 14 females, 7 males) who had previously received healthy eating and/or exercise advice from a GP participated in an individual semi-structured interview. A constant comparison approach to thematic analysis was conducted. FINDINGS: Participants identified three key indicators of perceived health of their GP. These included the GPs physical appearance, particularly weight status; perceived absence of ill health; and disclosure of a GPs health behaviours. Participants expressed favourable perceptions of the weight status of their GP. Participants expected their GP to be a healthy role model and often, but not always, felt more confident receiving advice from a GP that they perceived as healthy. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight that a GPs perceived health status influences patients perceptions of the health advice received during consultations. These findings provide a foundation for future research that may allow GPs to modify patients perceptions of their health status in order to facilitate behaviour change in overweight or obese patients. KEYWORDS: Body weight; general practitioners; obesity; overweight; physicians; primary health care

Who Should Mentor Me? Giving a Voice to Black Women Athletic Training Students

Athletic Training Education Journal ◽

10.4085/1002146 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 146-158 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bonnie J. Siple ◽

Rodney K. Hopson ◽

Helen C. Sobehart ◽

Paula S. Turocy

Keyword(s):

Black Women ◽

Athletic Training ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Athletic Training Students ◽

Certified Athletic Trainers ◽

Race And Gender ◽

Perceived Effects ◽

And Gender ◽

Member Checks ◽

Constant Comparative Analysis

Context Black women are dramatically underrepresented in the health care profession of athletic training. It may be theorized that one of the reasons more black female students are not entering into the profession of athletic training is that they do not have adequate mentors to successfully guide them. Objective The purpose of our qualitative study was to examine the perceived effects of mentoring on the retention and credentialing of black women athletic trainers. Design Qualitative. Setting Clinical settings. Patients or Other Participants Ten certified athletic trainers who self-designate as black women. Main Outcome Measure(s) We conducted one-on-one phone interviews and follow-up on personal case study interviews, which were transcribed verbatim. We performed constant comparative analysis of the data and established trustworthiness via member checks and peer review. Results (1) Mentoring promotes matriculation and successful college completion and credentialing of black women athletic training students, and (2) although shared race and gender are favorable mentor characteristics, accessibility and approachability are more essential traits of mentors. Conclusions These findings offer athletic training educators potential insight into ways to improve the athletic training educational success of black women enrolled in athletic training education programs that may lead to their increased participation/advancement in the athletic training profession.

Career Commitment of Postprofessional Athletic Training Program Graduates

10.4085/1062-6050-49.3.69 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 50 (4) ◽

pp. 426-431 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Thomas G. Bowman ◽

Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽

Ashley Goodman

Keyword(s):

Data Collection ◽

Training Program ◽

Athletic Training ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Career Commitment ◽

Advanced Degree ◽

Primary Role ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Online Data ◽

Context Choosing to pursue an advanced degree in athletic training appears to indicate professional commitment and passion for the profession. Currently, there is a paucity of information regarding why some athletic trainers pursue enrollment in a postprofessional athletic training program (PPATP), indicating commitment to the profession, but later depart for another primary role outside of athletic training. Objective To understand why athletic trainers invested in advanced training via a PPATP but then decided to leave the profession. Design Qualitative study. Setting Online data collection. Patients or Other Participants Twelve graduates (8 women [67%], 4 men [33%], age = 31.58 ± 3.06 years) from PPATPs who no longer had primary employment as an athletic trainer. Data Collection and Analysis Recruits responded to an e-mail invitation to participate by completing a confidential online questionnaire. We analyzed data using a general inductive approach and secured trustworthiness using multiple-analyst triangulation, peer review, and member checks. Results Two higher-order themes emerged regarding the career commitment of former athletic trainers who were PPATP graduates: (1) departure from an athletic training career and (2) partial continuance in athletic training. Two second-order themes emerged from the reasons for departure: (1) decreased recognition of value and (2) work-life imbalance. Finally, we identified 2 third-order themes from the participants' reasons for departure because of a perceived lack of value: (1) low salary and (2) long, inconsistent hours worked. Conclusions Most of our participants intended to stay in the profession when they chose to attend a PPATP. However, during role inductance in either the clinical experience of the PPATP they attended or early in their careers, they began to have thoughts of leaving mainly because of inadequate financial compensation, challenging work schedules, or both.

Educational Preparation and Experiences in the Industrial-Occupational Setting: A Qualitative Study of Athletic Training Graduates' Perspectives

Athletic Training Education Journal ◽

10.4085/1947-380x-6.2.99 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 99-106 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jim F. Schilling

Keyword(s):

Job Satisfaction ◽

Athletic Training ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Athletic Training Education ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Educational Preparation ◽

Entry Level ◽

Data Collection And Analysis ◽

Occupational Setting ◽

Textual Data

Context: The industrial-occupational setting provides a workplace of substantial potential for the athletic training graduate. Acquiring input from entry-level athletic trainers (ATs) pertaining to experiences, knowledge, and skills necessary to be successful in the industrial-occupational setting is critical information for future Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) curriculums, continuing education, and post-graduate fellowships. Objective: To gain understanding of the experiences encountered and education needed for successful preparation as an entry-level AT in the industrial-occupational setting. Design: Qualitative Setting: Industrial-Occupational Participants: Seven professional-level industrial ATs Data Collection and Analysis: Structured interview questions were used with an electronic platform. Participants were questioned relating to their experiences and perceptions pertaining to educational preparation for the industrial-occupational setting. An inductive content analysis was performed for textual data analysis. Results: The rationale for acquiring positions in the industrial-occupational setting upon graduation was due to fewer hours and higher salaries, but once hired the most positive experience and greatest job satisfaction came from helping people. The area the participants felt ill-prepared was ergonomics, but respondents felt well-prepared in injury evaluation and treatment. They also commented that gaining respect from the company was the most challenging aspect when entering the industrial-occupational setting as an entry-level AT. Conclusion: Graduates are attracted to the salary and hours associated with the industrial-occupational setting, but helping people provided the greatest job satisfaction. Although most entry-level ATs perceived themselves as well prepared for the industrial-occupational setting, weakness in the area of ergonomics was identified.

Deaflympians' Satisfaction With Athletic Training Services at the 2013 Deaflympic Summer Games

10.4085/1062-6050-52.3.03 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 52 (7) ◽

pp. 708-718 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Matthew Paul Brancaleone ◽

René Revis Shingles ◽

Nailya DeLellis

Keyword(s):

Athletic Training ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Age Groups ◽

Collegiate Athletes ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Frequency Of Use ◽

Or Team ◽

Training Services

Context: Athletic trainers have the opportunity to treat unique populations. Determining athletes' satisfaction with the athletic training services supplied can offer insights into how to improve the health care provided to athletes. Objective: To explore Deaflympians' satisfaction with athletic training services at the 2013 Deaflympic Summer Games. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: The 2013 Deaflympic Summer Games in Sofia, Bulgaria. Patients or Other Participants: Of the 115 Deaflympians contacted, 55 completed the questionnaire, for a 48% response rate (women = 33, men = 22). Main Outcome Measure(s): The Medical Interview Satisfaction Survey–Athletic Training was used. The questionnaire gathered demographic data and included 25 Likert-scale items that assessed 6 components of athletic training. Descriptive statistics were calculated as normalized scores to adjust for the different numbers of questions for each item. On a 5-point scale, the scores ranged from 3.82 (management) to 4.24 (environment), with an overall satisfaction score of 3.89. We conducted comparison tests to assess possible differences in overall satisfaction and satisfaction components. Satisfaction with frequency of use of the athletic training room and knowledge were the only areas that showed statistically significant differences. Other differences were in perceptions of medical coverage among age groups and management between sexes. Results: Satisfaction with the athletic training services provided was lower among these Deaflympians than among collegiate athletes in other studies. However, we observed no differences in overall satisfaction scores by age, sex, race, previous Deaflympic experience, or individual or team sport. Deaflympians who used and visited the athletic training facility more often had higher overall satisfaction scores than individuals who used and visited the facility less. Conclusions: Deaflympians were satisfied with the athletic training services provided at the 2013 Deaflympic Summer Games.

Physicians’ Perceptions of Athletic Trainers

International Journal of Athletic Therapy & Training ◽

10.1123/ijatt.2018-0098 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (5) ◽

pp. 202-206

Author(s):

Rebecca M. Hirschhorn ◽

Cassidy Holland ◽

Amy F. Hand ◽

James M. Mensch

Keyword(s):

Athletic Training ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Athletic Training Education ◽

Descriptive Study ◽

Scope Of Practice ◽

Future Research ◽

Illness Prevention ◽

Requirements Change ◽

The Relationship ◽

Training Practice

The relationship between athletic trainers (ATs) and physicians is crucial for the continuity of care for patients and can impact the advancement of the athletic training profession. This descriptive study utilized a questionnaire to examine the level of competence physicians believe ATs possess to perform tasks within their scope of practice, as outlined in theRole Delineation Study, 6th ed. Overall, physicians had favorable perceptions of ATs’ competence, with the most favorable perceptions relating to injury/illness prevention and immediate and emergency care. Opportunities should be sought out by ATs to educate physicians on all domains of athletic training practice. Future research should examine how these perceptions may change as athletic training education requirements change.

Graduate-Assistant Athletic Trainers' Perceptions of the Supervisor's Role in Professional Socialization: Part II

10.4085/1062-6050-51.11.10 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 51 (10) ◽

pp. 771-779 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Ashley B. Thrasher ◽

Stacy E. Walker ◽

Dorice A. Hankemeier ◽

Thalia Mulvihill

Keyword(s):

Professional Development ◽

Athletic Training ◽

Intercollegiate Athletics ◽

National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽

Professional Socialization ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Analysis Data ◽

Graduate Assistant ◽

Data Saturation ◽

Context: Many new athletic trainers (ATs) obtain graduate-assistant (GA) positions to gain more experience and professional development while being mentored by a veteran AT; however, GA ATs' perceptions of the supervisor's role in professional development are unknown. Objective: To explore the supervisor's role in the professional development of GAs in the collegiate setting. Design: Qualitative study. Setting: Phone interviews. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 19 collegiate GAs (15 women, 4 men; average age = 23 ± 0.15 years; National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I = 13, II = 3, III = 2; National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics = 2; postprofessional athletic training program = 5). Data Collection and Analysis: Data were collected via phone interviews and transcribed verbatim. Interviews were conducted until data saturation occurred. Data were analyzed through phenomenologic reduction. Trustworthiness was established via member checks and peer review. Results: Three themes emerged: (1) GAs' expectations of supervisors, (2) professional development, and (3) mentoring and support. Participants expected their supervisors to provide mentorship, support, and feedback to help them improve their athletic training skills, but they also realized supervisors were busy with patient care responsibilities. Most participants felt their supervisors were available, but others believed their supervisors were too busy to provide support and feedback. Participants felt their supervisors provided professional development by teaching them new skills and socializing them into the profession. Furthermore, they thought their supervisors provided mentorship professionally, personally, and clinically. Supervisors supported the participants by standing behind them in clinical decisions and having open-door policies. Conclusions: The graduate assistantship allows new ATs to gain experience while pursuing professional development, mentorship, and support from a supervisor. The extent of development is highly dependent on the supervisor, but most supervisors mentor GAs. When looking for graduate assistantships, future GAs should seek positions in which supervisors actively provide mentoring and professional development.

Athletic Training and Population Health Science

10.4085/314-19 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Justin Beaupre ◽

Sam W Meske ◽

Meghan Buckley

Keyword(s):

Population Health ◽

Athletic Training ◽

Clinical Decision Making ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Clinical Decision ◽

Health Science ◽

Health And Wellness ◽

Allied Health Professionals ◽

Physically Active ◽

Active Population

Objective: To define and discuss the role of population health as a framework to improve care and clinical decision making in athletic training practice. Background: Athletic trainers are allied health professionals who are uniquely suited to provide preventative and educational health and wellness programs to improve health outcomes across a physically active population. Athletic trainers are often the first touch point for high school athletes seeking health and wellness education which may allow them to be the first intervention or prevention point for reducing or eliminating negative health behaviors and outcomes among their patients. Conclusions: Integrating a population health framework into the athletic training setting prepares athletic trainers to address complex health issues that exist in communities as a result of factors that influence determinants of health. The field of athletic training could benefit from the use of a population health approach to care by creating a broader consideration of the factors that impact the health of homogenous groups of populations that are served by athletic trainers.

Understanding Patient Trust in the Athletic Setting through Interviews

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice ◽

10.46743/1540-580x/2018.1683 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Shannon David ◽

John Hitchcock

Keyword(s):

Athletic Training ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Division I ◽

Student Athlete ◽

Training Setting ◽

Working Definition ◽

Vital Component ◽

Definition Of ◽

Trust is a vital component of the patient-clinician relationship yet little is known about trust in the athletic training (AT) profession. Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to define and understand trust in an athletic training setting. Methods: Interviews with Division I student-athlete patients (n=9) and athletic trainers (n=3) were conducted to collect data about participant views and definitions of trust. Data were analyzed using classical and constant comparison techniques; the trustworthiness of findings were assessed via peer debriefing, member checks, and reflexive journaling. Results: The analyses yielded 21 codes and four themes described to promote trust: (1) athletic trainers’ attributes, (2) interactions between athletic trainers and athletes, (3) the quality of this relationship and (4) the overall experience. Conclusion: A working definition of trust in the athletic training setting was developed via this work; furthermore, athletic trainers and patients agreed that trust is a complex construct but is vital to developing a productive therapeutic relationship.

Perceptions of Workplace Bullying Among Athletic Trainers in the Collegiate Setting

10.4085/1062-6050-49.3.13 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 49 (5) ◽

pp. 706-718 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Celest Weuve ◽

William A. Pitney ◽

Malissa Martin ◽

Stephanie M. Mazerolle

Keyword(s):

Athletic Training ◽

Workplace Bullying ◽

Administrative Support ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Certified Athletic Trainers ◽

Workplace Environment ◽

Emotional Resilience ◽

Data Collection And Analysis ◽

Training Professional ◽

Context: Bullying has received a vast amount of attention in the recent past. One form of bullying, workplace bullying (WPB), has been a substantial concern explored in many health professions that can negatively influence a health care provider's role in an organization. To date, however, WPB has not been investigated in athletic training contexts. Objective: To examine the perceptions of certified athletic trainers who experienced or witnessed WPB during employment in the collegiate setting. Design: Qualitative study. Setting: College or university. Patients or Other Participants: Fifteen athletic trainers (7 women, 8 men) with an average age of 42 ± 12 years. Data Collection and Analysis: Data were collected via semistructured, in-depth phone interviews or asynchronous online interviews. Data were analyzed using an inductive content analysis. Trustworthiness was established with member checks and peer debriefing. Results: Four themes emerged from the analysis: (1) antecedents of WPB, (2) consequences of WPB, (3) coping with WPB, and (4) lack of workplace environment training. The antecedents of WPB involved the bully's personality and perceptions of the athletic training profession as well as environmental factors including the pressure to win and a lack of administrative support. The consequences of WPB included increased stress, feelings of inadequacy, and increased distrust. Individuals coped with WPB by relying on emotional resilience and avoidance. A final theme, lack of workplace environment training, revealed that little attention was given to interpersonal issues and WPB in the workplace. Conclusions: Workplace bullying incidents occur when administrators tolerate bullying behaviors from controlling and manipulative individuals who lack respect for the athletic training professional. Several negative outcomes result from bullying interactions, including stress and anxiety; WPB is dealt with by learning to be more emotionally resilient and avoiding confrontations. Workplace training is needed to prepare athletic trainers for such negative experiences.