College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.
Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, Idaho State University, Pocatello.
J Athl Train. 2024 May 1;59(5):546-557. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-0371.23.
Limited research exists regarding athletic trainers' (ATs') perceptions of professionalism.
To explore the lived experiences of ATs and their perceptions of professionalism.
Qualitative study.
Participants were ATs who completed a semistructured interview protocol via audio-only recording conferencing.
Seventeen participants (age = 33 ± 8 years; range = 25-56 years) who were certified ATs with an average of 10 years of experience (SD = ±8; range = 1-33 years) were interviewed.
Individuals self-identified their interest in participating in a follow-up interview recruitment located within a survey. Interviews occurred until saturation was met and included a variety of participants. Demographic information was gathered from the survey for each person. All transcripts were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using a 3-person coding team following the consensual qualitative research protocol. Member checking, auditing, and triangulation established trustworthiness and credibility in the data-analysis process.
A total of 4 domains with supporting categories were identified. Athletic trainers spoke of the employee environment that affected perceptions of what was determined to be professional, specifically in various settings or situations. They shared their personal determination of outward appearance and expression when differentiating what was deemed professional, including references to cleanliness, judgment of self-expression, and implicit bias. Whether intentional or unintentional, participants made comments that demonstrated a bias toward sex or race and ethnicity when determining outward appearance appropriateness. They noted various cultural awareness situations, including progression of perceptions over time, external pressure, and internal dialog. Respondents shared discourse regarding an internal struggle of what was right and wrong in their responses. They discussed professionalism based on the provider's conduct, mainly in terms of communication and patient care. Participants shared that communication occurring through both verbal and nonverbal means is vital to the perceptions of professionalism for ATs.
Current views of professionalism in athletic training were shaped by various lived experiences. With the movement toward athletic training becoming more diverse, equitable, and inclusive, antiquated professionalism ideals need to shift to provide a better work environment for all.
关于运动训练员（ATs）的专业认知，相关研究有限。
探索 AT 从业者的实际体验及其对专业认知的看法。
定性研究。
参与者通过音频会议完成半结构化访谈。
17 名参与者（年龄=33±8 岁；范围=25-56 岁）为认证 AT，平均从业经验 10 年（标准差=±8；范围=1-33 年）。
个人自我选择是否有兴趣参与位于调查中的后续访谈招募。直到达到饱和度时，才会对参与者进行访谈，包括各种参与者。从调查中收集了每个人的人口统计学信息。所有的转录都是逐字逐句地进行音频录制、转录和编码，使用了一个三人编码小组，遵循共识定性研究协议。成员检查、审核和三角验证在数据分析过程中建立了可信度和可靠性。
确定了 4 个领域和支持性类别。运动训练员提到了影响其对专业认知的员工环境，具体情况在不同的环境或情况下有所不同。他们分享了自己在区分什么是专业时对外在形象和表达的个人决定，包括对清洁度、自我表达的判断和隐性偏见的参考。无论是有意还是无意，参与者在确定外在形象的适当性时，都会发表一些表明性别或种族和民族偏见的言论。他们提到了各种文化意识情况，包括随着时间的推移对感知的发展、外部压力和内部对话。受访者分享了关于他们的反应是对还是错的内在斗争的论述。他们根据提供者的行为讨论了专业认知，主要是在沟通和患者护理方面。参与者表示，通过言语和非言语方式进行的沟通对 AT 人员的专业认知至关重要。
当前对运动训练专业的看法是由各种实际经验塑造的。随着运动训练向更多元化、公平和包容的方向发展，陈旧的专业理念需要转变，为所有人提供更好的工作环境。
