Role of the Athletic Trainer

1. Role of the Athletic Trainer Dan Foster, PhD, ATC Sports Medicine Conference August 9, 2007

2. Big Picture • Athletic trainers have a long tradition of focusing on a full-spectrum of health care for the physically active population

3. Plan • Background and current status • What makes a successful athletic trainer • Other issues • Characteristic roles • Best fit

4. Background • NATA – primary organization • 30,000 members • 70%+ have MS or PhD/EdD • Accredited schools, licensed to practice • 50%+ work outside of school settings • Iowa legacy • 1925 Drake Relays • Bill Frey • WD Paul

5. 1925 November 7The aerial game had to be forgotten when the worst blizzard of the year blew a gale through Iowa Field. The Hawkeye billed the game: “Iowa vs. Wisconsin vs. the Elements.” The snowy wind was so strong that punters actually lost ground on two occasions. In the end, Iowa lost by a score of 6-0. It was the first Hawkeye defeat of the season.

6. Background Competence • Risk management and injury prevention • Pathology of injury and illness • Assessment and evaluation • Acute care of injury and illness • Pharmacology • Therapeutic modalities • Therapeutic exercise • General medical conditions and disabilities • Nutritional aspects of injury and illness • Psychosocial intervention and referral • Health care administration • Professional development and responsibilities NATA Competencies in Athletic Training ,2005

7. Currently • Athletic trainers are employed in: • Performing arts • Corporations • Industrial plants • Military • Schools • Rehabilitation clinics • Hospitals • Physician’s offices • Other health care facilities, Rodeo, Professional golf…

8. Success • Work under the direction of the Team Physician • Use knowledge of: • Hygiene • Conditioning • Nutrition • Psychology • Protective equipment • Environmental conditions • Clinical Sciences Training • Personal Characteristics • Mature interpersonal relationships • Good physical condition • Confidence in making decisions • Strong loyalties and personal integrity • Make the athlete primary

9. Other Issues • Long hours – nights, weekends, travel is common • Job satisfaction – Herrera, et al. 2003 • DIaa Football programs • 138 ATCs (73 ♂, 65 ♀) • Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire • Program directors and faculty had highest job satisfaction • GAs had lowest • Males higher than Females • As experience increased, satisfaction increased

10. Characteristic Roles • PREVENTION/RISK • Assisting and coordinating training and conditioning programs • Ensuring safe playing environments • Selecting, fitting, and maintaining protective equipment • Explaining the importance of nutrition • Using medications appropriately Prentice, 2006

11. Characteristics Roles • CLINICAL EVALUATION & DIAGNOSIS • Conducting physical examinations • Understanding the pathology of injury illness • Referring to medical care • Referring to support services Prentice, 2006

12. Characteristics Roles • IMMEDIATE CARE OF INJURY & ILLNESS • TREATMENT, REHABILITATION & RECONDITIONING • Designing rehabilitation programs • Supervising rehabilitation programs • Incorporating therapeutic modalities • Offering psychosocial intervention Prentice, 2006

13. Characteristics Roles • ORGANIZATION & ADMINISTRATION • Record keeping • Ordering equipment & supplies • Supervising personnel • Establishing policies for the program Prentice, 2006

14. Characteristics Roles • PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES • Education • Promotion • Counseling • Research Prentice, 2006

15. Best Fit Roles • Immediately accessible for emergency pre-hospital care (95% of parents; Board of Education, 2006) • Educate clients about nutrition and exercise (96% of parents; Board of Education, 2006) • Improve access to medical/therapy care (Kohl, 2005) • Improve MD/PT productivity and patient satisfaction (Albohm et al., 2004) • CPT codes for AT 97005, 9700 (AMA, 2000) • UB code (AHA, 1999)

16. Discussion