ERIC Number: EJ1306684
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1947-380X
EISSN: N/A
The Longitudinal Impact of Standardized Patient Encounters during Professional Education on Athletic Training Professional Practice
Armstrong, Kirk J.; Jarriel, Amanda J.; Hardin, Brittney M.
Athletic Training Education Journal, v16 n3 p169-177 Jul-Sep 2021
Context: Inquiry into the use of standardized patients (SPs) is growing in athletic training education; however, the impact of these SP encounters has not been examined beyond professional education. Objective: To understand how SP encounters during professional education benefited clinicians in their current clinical practice and in their transition to practice. Design: Consensual qualitative research. Setting: Individual phone interviews. Patients or Other Participants: Thirteen professionals (7 women, 6 men; mean age = 28.15 ± 6.04 years) with postprofessional experience averaging 3.5 years (3.69 ± 1.43 years) participated in this study. Participant practice settings included college/university (4), high school (7), outpatient clinic (1), and military (1). Interviews were conducted until data saturation occurred. Main Outcome Measure(s): Data were collected via semistructured interviews, which were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using a consensual qualitative research design, data were independently analyzed by a 3-person team, who independently coded the data and compared ideas until consensus was reached. Trustworthiness was established through member checks. Results: Two themes emerged from the findings that described the participants' perceptions of how they felt using SPs in the ATP facilitated their growth as a health care professional: (1) personal growth/development; and (2) professional growth/development. Participants specifically noted that these encounters enhanced confidence, critical thinking, interpersonal communication, and patient rapport and aided in transition to practice. Conclusions: Athletic training professionals who experienced SPs during professional education revealed an increase in perceived confidence in clinical and interpersonal skills as they transitioned to independent practice. Additionally, participants highlighted that SP encounters should continue throughout the athletic training curriculum. Future research should involve participants from postbaccalaureate programs, as well as postprofessional and residency programs.
Descriptors: Athletics, Allied Health Occupations Education, Simulation, Patients, Clinical Experience, Allied Health Personnel, Education Work Relationship, Individual Development, Professional Development
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A