Perceptions, Practices, and Barriers of Athletic Trainers in the Military Setting Using Patient-Reported Outcomes in Practice

Authors

Nicole M. Lee, Indiana State UniversityFollow
Justin P. Young, Indiana State UniversityFollow
Lindsey E. Eberman, Indiana State UniversityFollow
Eric Post, Indiana State UniversityFollow
Kenneth E. Games, Indiana State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: The majority of athletic trainers (ATs) recognize the importance of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in clinical practice but encounter unique barriers that limit their implementation. There are no studies that have investigated PROs in the military setting. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions, practices, and barriers to implementing PROs in the military setting. Methods: We used a cross-sectional, web-based survey design. Emails were sent to 365 potential participants and 67 were eligible to participate (response rate=18.4%, years practicing in military setting=5.9 ± 5.8years). Participants were invited to complete a web-based survey regarding the uses, benefits, and problems with PROs. Dependent variables for all participants were endorsements of perception, practice, and barrier statements with PROs. ATs who reported using PROs in clinical practice were asked the criteria they use for selecting the measures, whereas ATs who reported not using PROs were asked their reasons for not using them. Results: Most ATs in the military setting reported not using PROs (59.6%, n=31/52). The most commonly cited reason for using PROs was documenting the status, progress, or outcomes of patients (41/52, 78.8%). Improving communication with the patient (54/57, 94.7%) was the most frequently endorsed benefit of PROs, while time for patients to complete (28/54, 51.9%) was the most common problem. The ease of understanding for patients was the most common criterion used to select individual measures (17/21, 81.0%). The most frequent reason for not using PROs were time for patients to complete and lack of a support structure (13/31, 41.9%). Conclusions: Less than half of ATs in the military setting use PROs in their clinical practice. Further research should investigate the mindset, motivation, and methods necessary for implementation to develop successful strategies for widespread implementation of PROs across practice settings in AT.

Author Bio(s)

Nicole M. Lee, DAT, LAT, ATC is graduate of the Indiana State University Doctorate in Athletic Training and currently practices athletic training in Florida.

Justin P. Young, DAT, LAT, ATC is a doctoral graduate assistant for the Doctor in Athletic Training program at Indiana State University and is currently completing his PhD in Curriculum and Instruction at Indiana State University.

Lindsey E. Eberman, PhD, LAT, ATC is a professor and program director of the Doctorate in Athletic Training program at Indiana State University.

Eric Post, PhD, LAT, ATC is an associate professor and program director of the Master in Athletic Training program at Indiana State University.

Kenneth E. Games, PhD, LAT, ATC is a professor and director of clinical education for the Doctorate in Athletic Training program at Indiana State University.

Recommended Citation

Lee NM, Young JP, Eberman LE, Post E, Games KE. Perceptions, Practices, and Barriers of Athletic Trainers in the Military Setting Using Patient-Reported Outcomes in Practice. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2023 Jun 29;21(3), Article 23.