The Longitudinal Impact of Standardized Patient Encounters During Professional Education on Athletic Training Professional Practice

Abstract

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.

Perspectives of a Mental Health Emergency Standardized Patient Encounter: A Follow-Up Interview of Athletic Trainers

“…The integration of simulation-based learning has been documented in professional athletic training education, 13,15,16 postprofessional athletic training education, 18,23 and continuing professional development. 24 Similar findings have been identified with nursing students, specifically improvement in confidence after a mental health SP encounter.…”

“…11,12 Professional programs in athletic training have assessed the long-term effect of several entry-level SP encounters. 13 Standardized patients have been found to improve confidence in professional athletic training students. [13][14][15] In addition, small group SP encounters have developed a learner's ability to provide psychosocial intervention and referral.…”

“…13 Standardized patients have been found to improve confidence in professional athletic training students. [13][14][15] In addition, small group SP encounters have developed a learner's ability to provide psychosocial intervention and referral. 16 In postprofessional athletic training programs, researchers have identified that learners were able to improve the organization of their clinical exam, were vulnerable in describing their weaknesses in clinical practice, and improved their patient-centered care.…”