Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, recognizing, managing and rehabilitating injuries Function as a member of a health care team which also incorporates and involves a number of medical specialties Provide a critical link between the medical community and physically active individuals

National Athletic Trainers’ Association NATA To enhance the quality of health care for athletes and those engaged in physical activity, and to advance the profession of athletic training through education and research in the prevention, evaluation, management and rehabilitation of injuries

Changing Face of Athletic Training Profession Role of the athletic trainer is more in line, today, as a health care provider – 40% of athletic trainers are employed in clinics, hospitals, industrial and occupational settings – Also involved in NASCAR, performing arts, military, NASA, medical equipment & sales, law enforcement, and the US government Has resulted in changes in athletic training education Internship vs Degree

Employment Settings for the Athletic Trainers Employment opportunities are becoming increasingly diverse – Dramatic transformation since 1950 – Due largely to the efforts of the NATA Started out primarily in the collegiate setting, progressed to high schools and now 40% are found primarily in hospital and clinic settings

Settings include: Clinics and hospitals Physician extenders Industrial/Occupational settings Corporate settings Colleges or Universities Secondary schools School districts Professional sports Amateur/Recreational/Youth sports Performing arts Military & Law enforcement Health & fitness clubs

Sports Medicine and Athletic Training Broad field of medical practices related to physical activity and sport Involves a number of specialties involving active populations Typically classified as relating to performance enhancement or injury care and management

Roles and Responsibilities: Board of Certification Domains Injury/illness prevention & wellness protection Clinical evaluation and diagnosis Immediate & emergency care Treatment & rehabilitation Organizational and professional health and well-being Professional Responsibility

Prevention Ensure safe environment Conduct pre-participation physicals Develop training and conditioning programs Select and fit protective equipment properly Explaining important diet and lifestyle choices Ensure appropriate medication use while discouraging substance abuse

Clinical Evaluation & Diagnosis Recognize nature and extent of injury Involves both on and off-field evaluation skills and techniques Understand pathology of injuries and illnesses Referring to medical care Referring to supportive services

Immediate & Emergency Care Administration of appropriate first aid and emergency medical care (CPR, AED) Activation of emergency action plans (EAP)

Treatment and Rehabilitation Design preventative training systems Rehabilitation program design Supervising rehabilitation programs Incorporation of therapeutic modalities and exercise Offering psychosocial intervention

Organizational & Professional Health and Well-being Record keeping Ordering supplies and equipment Establishing policies and procedures Supervising personnel

Professional Responsibilities Athletic trainer as educator Athletic trainer and continuing education Athletic trainers as counselor Athletic trainers as researcher Incorporation of evidence based medicine Participating and acquiring evidence for efficacious patient care

Personal Qualities of the Athletic Trainer Stamina and the ability to adapt Empathy Sense of humor Communication Intellectual curiosity Ethical practice Professional memberships

The Adolescent Athlete Focuses on organized competition A number of sociological issues are involved How old or when should a child begin training? Skeletal immaturity presents some challenges with respect to healthcare Physically and emotional adolescents can not be managed the same way as adults

The Aging Athlete Physiological and performance capability changes overtime Function will increase and decrease depending on point in lifecycle May be the result of both biological and sociological effects High levels of physiological function can be maintained through an active lifestyle The impact on long-term health benefits have been documented Beginning an exercise program

Occupational Athlete Occupational, industrial or worker “athlete” are involved in strenuous, demanding or repetitive physical activity May result in accidents and injury Involves Instruction on ergonomic techniques to avoid injury associated with physical demand of job responsibilities Intervention when injuries arise Correcting mechanics, faulty postures, strength deficits, lack of flexibility Injury prevention is still critical

Athletic Trainer and the Athlete Major concern on the part of the ATC should be the injured patient All decisions impact the patient The injured patient must always be informed – Be made aware of the how, when and why that dictates the course of injury rehabilitation

Athletic Trainer and the Athlete The patient must be educated about injury prevention and management Instructions should be provided regarding training and conditioning Inform the patient to listen to his/her body in order to prevent injuries

Athletic Trainer and Parents Athletic trainers must keep parents informed, particularly in the secondary school setting – Injury management and prevention The parents decision regarding healthcare must be a primary consideration Insurance plans may dictate care – Selection of physician

Athletic Trainer and Parents The athletic trainer, physician and coaches must be aware and inform parents of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) – Regulates dissemination of health information – Protects patient’s privacy and limits the people who could gain access to medical records

The Athletic Trainer and the Team Physician Athletic trainer works under direct supervision of physician Physician assumes a number of roles – Serves to advise and supervise ATC Physician and the athletic trainer must be able to work together – Have similar philosophical opinions regarding injury management Helps to minimize discrepancies and inconsistencies

The Athletic Trainer and the Team Physician The physician is responsible for compiling medical histories and conducting physical exams – Pre-participation screening Diagnosing injury Deciding on disqualifications – Decisions regarding athlete’s ability to participate based on medical knowledge and psychophysiological demands of sport Attending practice and games Commitment to sports and athlete

The Athletic Trainer and the Coach Must understand specific role of all individuals involved with the team Coach must clearly understand the limits of their ability to function as a health care provider in their respective state Directly responsible for injury prevention – Athlete must go through appropriate conditioning program

The Athletic Trainer and the Coach Coach must be aware of risks associated with sport Provide appropriate training and equipment Should be certified in CPR and first aid Must have thorough knowledge of skills, techniques and environmental factors associated with sport Develop good working relationships with staff, including athletic trainers – Must be a cooperative relationship