Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

2018

DOI

10.4085/1304377

Publication Title

Athletic Training Education Journal

Volume

13

Issue

4

Pages

390

Conference Name

Athletic Training Educators' Conference, February 15-17, 2019, Grapevine, Texas

Abstract

Context: Previous research has demonstrated that the translation of evidence-based practice (EBP) from didactic environments to clinical practice can be difficult. The level to which athletic training students (ATSs) incorporate EBP during clinical experiences is still largely unknown. Objective: To assess whether ATSs are integrating concepts of EBP during patient encounters (PEs) as a part of their clinical experiences. Design: Multisite, panel design. Setting: Three Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education-accredited professional athletic training programs (2 baccalaureate, 1 postbaccalaureate). Patients or Other Participants: One thousand three hundred nineteen PEs (539 pediatric patients, 775 adult patients, 5 missing) were entered by 58 ATSs (39 females, 18 males, 1 missing) at 53 clinical sites (28 college/university, 25 secondary school). Data Collection and Analysis: ATSs underwent formal training by the research team. ATSs used E*Value software to track PEs during their clinical experiences in the 2018 spring semester. Variables collected per PE included student role (observed, assisted, performed), setting (college/university, secondary school), and body region of diagnosis (upper extremity, lower extremity, head/face, trunk, general medical, nonspecific). ATSs were also asked to report if 3 defined components of EBP occurred during each PE. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize characteristics of the PEs. Chi-square tests, pair-wise comparisons with Bonferroni corrections, and Mann-Whitney U tests (P < .05) were used to assess group differences. Phi correlations were used to estimate the strength of relationships between the inclusion of components of core competencies during PEs. Results: ATSs reported they asked a question of a clinician, including their preceptor, during 18.3% of encounters (242/1319), searched for any available evidence during 3.6% of encounters (48/1319), and applied evidence previously learned during 45.2% of encounters (596/1319). They reported they did not include concepts of EBP during 45.1% of patient encounters (595/1319). ATSs reported the use of EBP more frequently if the encounter occurred in the collegiate setting (66%) than the high school setting (38.8%, P < .01). There were no significant differences by body region regarding the use of EBP (P = .39). ATSs reported the use of EBP more frequently when they assisted with the encounter (70.8%) or performed the encounter (55.4%, P < .01) than when they observed the encounter (46.6%). There were positive, weak correlations between the use of EBP and most other core competencies. ATSs who reported the use of EBP during a patient encounter also tended to report the use of health information technology (Φ = 0.23, P < .01), interprofessional education (Φ = 0.29, P < .01), and quality improvement (Φ = 0.45, P < .01). There was also a positive, moderate correlation between the use of EBP and patient-centered care (Φ = 0.62, P < .01). Conclusions: Inclusion of components of EBP occurred in more than half of reported PEs; however, ATSs are relying on evidence from previous experience. ATSs may need to be encouraged to seek anecdotal evidence from peers as they enter clinical practice and to continue to seek evidence as it becomes available. Relying on evidence the ATS has learned supports the concept that programs and preceptors must be apprised of current trends.

Rights

© 2018 National Athletic Trainers' Association.

Included with the kind written permission of the copyright holder and the author.

Comments

Part of the work: Athletic Training Educators' Conference, February 15-17, 2019, Grapevine, Texas

Available online at: https://doi.org/10.4085/1304377

ORCID

0000-0002-6754-7938 (Van Lunen), 0000-0003-3171-9141 (Cavallario)

Original Publication Citation

Van Lunen, B. L., Cavallario, J. M., Walker, S. E., Bay, R. C., & Welch Bacon, C. E. (2018). 8902: Athletic training student application of evidence-based practice during clinical education: A report from the athletic training clinical education network. Athletic Training Education Journal, 13(4), 390. https://doi.org/10.4085/1304377

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