Athletic Trainers' Beliefs About and Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice

Abstract

Context:Understanding the beliefs about and use of evidence-based practice (EBP) among athletic trainers (ATs) will help to determine appropriate strategies to improve implementation.Objective: To examine the ATs' beliefs about and use of EBP.Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Online survey instrument. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 467 ATs responded to the survey request, a response rate of 11.67%. A total of 385 (9.6%) completed the EBP Beliefs Scale and 342 (8.5%) completed the EBP Implementation Scale.Main Outcome Measure(s): The EBP Beliefs Scale and EBP Implementation Scale were administered. The surveys collected demographic information in addition to information about participants' beliefs regarding EBP and implementation of EBP in clinical practice.Results: The ATs demonstrated a level of neither agree nor disagree (56.00 6 7.86) on the EBP Beliefs Scale. Belief scores were higher among those ATs required to document for thirdparty reimbursement (P ¼ .001), those with access to current research through professional journals other than the Journal of Athletic Training (P ¼ .02), and those with a doctoral degree (P ¼ .01). A low level of implementation (9.00 6 11.38), representing the implementation of EBP approximately 0 times in the previous 8 weeks, was found on the EBP Implementation Scale. Implementation scores were higher among preceptors (P ¼ .01), those required to document for third-party reimbursement (P , .001), those with access to current research through professional journals (P ¼ .002), and those with a doctoral degree (P ¼ .01).Conclusions: Participants had a positive attitude toward EBP; however, they were not implementing EBP concepts when providing patient care. This suggests that additional information and EBP resources are needed so ATs can better implement EBP in practice. To provide the best patient care and to promote EBP within the profession, clinicians should make EBP a priority and advocate for EBP implementation.Key Words: evidence-based medicine, clinical practice, survey research Key PointsOverall, athletic trainers were neutral toward evidence-based practice but believed it results in the best clinical care for patients and is important to the credibility of the profession. Athletic trainers' level of implementation of evidence-based practice was low. Additional information and resources are needed so athletic trainers can better implement evidence-based practice. To provide the best patient care, promote evidence-based practice within the profession, and gain credibility with other health care professions, athletic trainers should become advocates for evidence-based practice and make it a priority.

Use of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Athletic Training: Common Measures, Selection Considerations, and Practical Barriers

“…However, similar response rates have been reported in other athletic training studies. [45][46][47] To our knowledge, our results reflect the highest response rate of ATs concerning their practice patterns and the use of PROMs in athletic health care. Also, the publicly available demographic information of NATA members (eg, sex, job setting, highest level of education, district) 48,49 was similar to the percentages observed in our sample, supporting the representativeness of our sample and the generalizability of our findings.…”

Retained Knowledge and Use of Evidence-Based Practice Concepts

“…As these findings are identical to those in previous athletic training literature, 11,22,23,25 it remains necessary to provide ATs with access to quality evidence-based resources. 4 Although Keeley et al 26 suggest that adequate resources do exist for ATs, there should be better education on how to access those resources. As we move toward decreasing the gap in EBP resource awareness and toward broader implementation of EBP, CPE offerings should continue to provide programming that identifies quality resources available and how to access such resources.…”

“…The initiatives set forth by the BOC, including the requirement of EBP-focused education credits and the pilot portfolio system, 27 help to target factors that facilitate the implementation of EBP. These factors include (1) identification of the value of EBP, (2) the attainment of EBP knowledge and skills, and (3) establishment of a culture to support EBP including access to evidence, 26,[28][29][30] and may be valuable for consideration by ATs in future efforts to incorporate EBP concepts.…”

Athletic Trainers' Current Knowledge and Envisioned Use of Foundational Evidence-Based Practice Concepts

“…36 For those clinicians who serve as preceptors, it may also be possible to gain information from the athletic training program they are affiliated with. Regarding applicability of evidence, the information disseminated, both scholarly research and case reports, should continue to expand.…”