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DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/jsmahs.10.02.04

Abstract

Introduction: Athletic training education requires the inclusion of emergency management (EM) best practices, however the Board of Certification (BOC) does not mandate any continuing education (CE) past Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC). With EM best practices continuing to change there is potential for a large knowledge gap to develop in practicing athletic trainers (ATs) who do not chose to engage in EM CE. The purpose of this study was to identify knowledge gaps in practicing ATs’ EM skills via low fidelity simulation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an educational laboratory setting involving twenty-two ATs (age 36.7±10.8 years; 13 males, 9 females, years of experience 13 + 11) attending a simulation-based CE event. A convenience sample of participants who attended the CE event voluntarily participated in data collection. Upon the completion of an educational review session, participants completed four low fidelity simulations (elbow dislocation, femur fracture, heat stroke and external hemorrhage) based on the 2020 Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) standards. Checklists (completed/not completed) were utilized to grade participants simulation specific skill application. Mean overall, critical action, SAMPLE and vital scores were analyzed. Scores were calculated as percentages in order to compare the low fidelity simulation outcomes. A benchmark of 80% skill application was utilized for a successful pass rate. Results: The only benchmark achieved was the critical action score within the femur fracture simulation (82.89% ±14.56). A success rate of 9.6% (8/83) was calculated across all simulations. The mean total percent scores were as follows; elbow dislocation 65.0 ± 11.0, femur fracture 55.3 ±10.0, heatstroke 67.7 ±17.5 and external hemorrhage 64.0 ±13.0. All means beyond the critical action femur, were below the benchmark of 80%. Conclusions: A knowledge gap exists between practicing clinicians and the 2020 CAATE EM standards. Considering the importance of ATs lifesaving skills, ATs should aim to choose CE to improve their EM skills. While this study only investigates EM, ATs may demonstrate knowledge gaps in other domains and therefore ATs should aim to diversify their CE to stay current with best practices.

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