scholarly journals The Perception of Importance of Leadership Behaviors Between Athletic Trainers with Advanced degrees in Athletic Training and Those with Advanced Degrees in Another Discipline

Author(s):  
Matt Kutz
2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 165-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew R. Kutz ◽  
Jennifer Doherty-Restrepo

Context: Leadership has been reported to be an important factor in the practice of athletic training. However, no research has identified the frequency in which leadership is practiced by athletic trainers. Objective: To explore and compare the frequency with which athletic trainers practice leadership in their athletic training and non–athletic training roles. Setting: Survey design using athletic trainers in clinical and academic roles. Patients or Other Participants: One hundred one athletic trainers in university settings (69% program directors; 31% university-based clinicians), yielding a 12% response rate and a satisfactory effect size (d = 0.73); mean age of respondents was 41 ± 9.5 years, mean experience was 18 ± 9.0 years, and 98% of respondents had at least a master's degree. Main Outcome Measure(s): Frequency of leadership behavior by athletic trainers was assessed using the Frequency of Leadership in Athletic Training Scale (FLATS). Data on frequency of use were organized by different demographic variables and between athletic training roles and non–athletic training roles. Results: The FLATS psychometric analysis yielded satisfactory internal consistency and validity (α = 0.91 to 0.96; correlations ranged from r = 0.39 to r = 0.87, P ≤ .05; concurrent validity was supported by differences between scale items and selected demographic characteristics). Paired-samples t tests indicated significant differences between practice frequencies of leadership behaviors in athletic training roles when compared with out of athletic training roles (mean = 2.24 ± 0.33 versus 1.98 ± .38, P = .000). Furthermore, mean scores for 44 (of 47) FLATS items were significantly higher for in versus out of athletic training roles (P ≤ .05). Independent t tests showed significant differences between specific item frequencies among different variables (ranges: t43–99 = −3.290 to 3.339, P = .001 to .05). Conclusions: A majority (85%) of leadership behaviors are practiced frequently (often or always) by athletic trainers. Frequency of leadership behavior by athletic trainers decreases when they are not functioning in an athletic training context.


2009 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 427-433
Author(s):  
Gregory D. Myer ◽  
Ethan M. Kreiswirth ◽  
Leamor Kahanov ◽  
Malissa Martin

Abstract To employ retrospective trend analysis in an attempt to provide a layered description of the relative contribution (per credential) of clinical athletic trainers (those without terminal degrees) to authoring scientific literature in the Journal of Athletic Training (JAT). From these data, our secondary purpose was to evaluate trends relative to changes in journal policy and increased educational rigor or professional limitations over the past decade, discussing how they may affect the potential for clinical athletic trainers to contribute to JAT.Purpose: Exploratory study design with trend analysis.Design: Data collection and analysis included a trend evaluation of the credentials of clinical athletic trainer authors in JAT and the teams (by credential) of authorship to determine the credentials of authors who published in JAT.Participants: Longitudinal tabulation of JAT author credentials from 1995 through 2007.Measurements: We noted increases in the absolute number of research articles per volume and the number of authors per article and a decrease in the relative percentage of authors who were athletic trainers. The results also suggested that the bachelor of science degree (BS-ATC, representative of clinical athletic trainers without advanced degrees) and Doctor of Medicine (MD) credential may be underrepresented in JAT authorship.Results: Postgraduate research training may facilitate scientific article contribution by athletic trainers. Continued evolution in the athletic training evidence-based medicine movement should foster research-based mentorship during education. Cultivating collaborations between clinical athletic trainers and research teams may also promote outcomes assessment trials, which will benefit athletic training practices.Conclusions:


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carly J. Wilson ◽  
Lindsey E. Eberman ◽  
Ansley S. Redinger ◽  
Elizabeth R. Neil ◽  
Zachary K. Winkelmann

Abstract Background The core competency of patient-centered care (PCC) states that for positive patient outcomes, the provider must respect the patient’s views and recognize their experiences. The Athletic Training Strategic Alliance Research Agenda Task Force identified a profession-wide belief that examining the extent to which athletic trainers (ATs) provide PCC in their clinical practice would benefit the profession. To first address this line of inquiry, we must study the subjectivity of how ATs view PCC. Methods We used Q methodology to allow participants to share their viewpoints while simultaneously exploring the study aim from a quantitative and qualitative perspective. A total of 115 (males = 62, females = 53, age = 37 ± 10 y, experience = 13 ± 10 y) ATs dispersed between 11 job settings volunteered for this study. Participants were asked to pre-sort (agree, disagree, neutral) 36 validated statements representing the 8 dimensions of PCC. The participants completed a Q-sort where they dragged-and-dropped the pre-sorted statements based on perceived importance in providing PCC. The Q-sorts were analyzed using QMethod software. A principal component analysis was used to identify statement rankings and factors. Factors were determined by an Eigenvalue > 1 and analyzed using a scree plot. The 6 highest selected statements per factor were assessed to create the distinguishing viewpoints. Results Two distinguishing viewpoints emerged from the Q-sorts. The statement “ATs treat patients with dignity and respect” appeared as a high ranked statement in both distinguishing viewpoints. The lowest ranked statement from viewpoint 1 was “ATs integrate the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model as a framework for delivery of patient care.” The lowest ranked statement from viewpoint 2 was “Appointment scheduling is easy.” Conclusions ATs value patient’s preferences. However, a lack of importance was identified for incorporating the ICF model, which is a core competency and adopted framework by the NATA since 2015.


2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (7) ◽  
pp. 716-719
Author(s):  
Monica R. Lininger ◽  
Bryan L. Riemann

Objective: To describe the concept of statistical power as related to comparative interventions and how various factors, including sample size, affect statistical power.Background: Having a sufficiently sized sample for a study is necessary for an investigation to demonstrate that an effective treatment is statistically superior. Many researchers fail to conduct and report a priori sample-size estimates, which then makes it difficult to interpret nonsignificant results and causes the clinician to question the planning of the research design.Description: Statistical power is the probability of statistically detecting a treatment effect when one truly exists. The α level, a measure of differences between groups, the variability of the data, and the sample size all affect statistical power.Recommendations: Authors should conduct and provide the results of a priori sample-size estimations in the literature. This will assist clinicians in determining whether the lack of a statistically significant treatment effect is due to an underpowered study or to a treatment's actually having no effect.


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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 278-286
Author(s):  
Ashley B. Thrasher ◽  
Edward J. Strapp

Context Uncontrolled hemorrhage is a major cause of preventable death. Wound care and managing external hemorrhage are important skills for athletic trainers. Objective Describe a laboratory activity used to allow students to practice managing uncontrolled external hemorrhage and wound packing. Background The prevalence of active shooter and other mass casualty events has grown, and a trend to move military-based emergency skills into civilian casualty care has emerged. Athletic trainers are uniquely positioned to respond to catastrophic events at the time of injury. Controlling hemorrhage and rapidly applying a tourniquet or administering wound packing have a great effect in preventing death due to severe hemorrhage. Description An educational technique using a pork shoulder was implemented to provide students with experience in wound packing. Clinical Advantage(s) Students describe this activity as a beneficial way to gain experience on an important skill not often seen in the clinical education setting. Conclusion(s) Faculty may consider implementing wound packing using a pork shoulder as a laboratory activity when teaching wound care and external hemorrhage management.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 300-306
Author(s):  
Sarah A. Manspeaker ◽  
Alison N. Wix

Context Athletic trainers must develop the knowledge and skills to recognize signs and symptoms of dermatologic conditions in the physically active population. Objective To present an overview of an educational technique aimed at promoting the development of skills related to dermatological care that meets clinical practice needs and accreditation requirements for athletic training programs at all levels. Background Curricular content standards in athletic training education require learners to obtain the skills necessary to perform an evaluation, formulate a diagnosis, and establish a plan of care relevant to the integumentary system, including dermatological conditions. Cognitive Learning Theory uses specific sequencing of content and learning sessions to promote student engagement in the learning process. Description Within an evaluation course for nonorthopaedic conditions, a 3–class session learning module was developed to target instruction, application, and assessment of dermatological conditions. This article describes the development, overview of content, delivery methods, outcomes to date, and connection to the instructional standards in athletic training. Clinical Advantage(s) Integrating evaluation of dermatological conditions into athletic training curricula enhances clinical decision-making skills and direct application of these skills to clinical practice. Conclusion(s) Athletic trainers should be able to effectively identify, manage, and potentially refer patients with dermatological conditions. Educating future athletic trainers to be able to prevent the spread of infection, decrease disease transmission, and enhance their ability to recognize and manage dermatological conditions is vital to their development toward independent clinical practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 269-277
Author(s):  
David C. Berry ◽  
Christine Noller

Context Change management is a discipline guiding how organizations prepare, equip, and support people to adopt a change to drive organizational success and outcomes successfully. Objective To introduce the concept of change management and create a primer document for athletic training educators to use in the classroom. Background While Lean and Six Sigma methodologies are essential for achieving a high-reliability organization, human resistance to change is inevitable. Change management provides a structured approach via different theoretical methods, specific principles, and tools to guide organizations through growth and development and serves an essential role during process improvement initiatives. Synthesis There are several theories or models of change management, 3 of which are specifically relevant in health care. Kotter and Rathgeber believe change has both an emotional and situational component and use an 8-step approach: increase urgency, guide teams, have the right vision, communicate for buy-in, enable action, create short-term wins, and make-it-stick [Kotter J., Rathgeber H. Our Iceberg is Melting: Changing and Succeeding Under Any Circumstances. New York, NY: St. Martin's Press, 2006]. Bridges' Transitional Model focuses on the premise that change does not influence project success; instead, a transition does [Bridges W. Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Publishing, 1991]. Lewin's model suggests that restraining forces influence organizations and that driving forces cause change to happen [Lewin K. Problems of research in social psychology. In: Cartwright D, ed. Field Theory in Social Science: Selected Theoretical Papers. New York, NY: Harpers; 1951]. Recommendation(s) Whether athletic trainers approach change management in a leadership role or as a stakeholder, newly transitioning professionals and those seeking leadership roles should value and appreciate change management theories and tools. Moreover, while no best practice statement exists relative to the incorporation of change management into a curriculum, addressing the subject early may allow immersive-experience students an opportunity to use change management during a process improvement initiative, facilitating a greater appreciation of the content. Conclusion(s) Athletic training curriculums should consider including change management course content, whether separately or in combination with other process-improvement content, thereby familiarizing athletic trainers with a common language for organizational and professional change.


2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonnie J. Siple ◽  
Rodney K. Hopson ◽  
Helen C. Sobehart ◽  
Paula S. Turocy

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.


2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 415-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leamor Kahanov ◽  
Elizabeth J. Gilmore ◽  
Lindsey E. Eberman ◽  
Jeffrey Roberts ◽  
Tamar Semerjian ◽  
...  

Context: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are increasingly common in athletic settings. The MRSA knowledge and infection-control practices of certified athletic trainers (ATs) and the cleanliness of the athletic training room are important factors in preventing MRSA infections. Objective: To assess knowledge of MRSA and the use of common disinfectants among ATs and to explore their infection-control practices. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: High school and collegiate athletic training rooms. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 163 ATs from National Collegiate Athletic Association Divisions I, II, and III and high schools, representing all 10 National Athletic Trainers' Association districts. Main Outcome Measure(s): Frequencies, analyses of variance, and χ2 tests were used to assess current practices and opinions and relationships between factors. Results: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was perceived as a national problem by 92% of respondents; 57% perceived MRSA as a problem in their practice setting. Most respondents had treated general infections (88%), staphylococcal infections (75%), and MRSA infections (57%). Male sex was associated with treating all 3 types of infections (χ2 test, P < .05). Noncurriculum education was associated with a lack of recognition of environmental issues as risk factors and with the use of isopropyl alcohol for disinfection (χ2 test, P < .05). For example, 10% of respondents did not recognize that contaminated whirlpools can be a source of MRSA infection. Respondents also incorrectly identified effective cleaning solutions. Thirty percent of respondents cleaned their hands frequently or sometimes before treating each athlete and 35% cleaned their hands sometimes, occasionally, or never after seeing each athlete. Conclusions: The majority of ATs were informed about MRSA and made correct disinfection choices. However, improvements are still needed, and not all ATs were using proper disinfection practices.


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