Athletic Training Clinical Experience

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

• Administer testing procedures to obtain baseline data regarding a client’s/patient’s level of general health (including nutritional habits, physical activity status, and body composition). Use this data to design, implement, evaluate, and modify a program specific to the performance and health goals of the patient. This will include instructing the patient in the proper performance of the activities, recognizing the warning signs and symptoms of potential injuries and illnesses that may occur, and explaining the role of exercise in maintaining overall health and the prevention of diseases. Incorporate contemporary behavioral change theory when educating clients/patients and associated individuals to effect health-related change. Refer to other medical and health professionals when appropriate.
• Select, apply, evaluate, and modify appropriate standard protective equipment, taping, wrapping, bracing, padding, and other custom devices for the client/patient in order to prevent and/or minimize the risk of injury to the head, torso, spine, and extremities for safe participation in sport or other physical activity.
• Develop, implement, and monitor prevention strategies for at-risk individuals (eg, persons with asthma or diabetes, persons with a previous history of heat illness, persons with sickle cell trait) and large groups to allow safe physical activity in a variety of conditions. This includes obtaining and interpreting data related to potentially hazardous environmental conditions, monitoring body functions (eg, blood glucose, peak expiratory flow, hydration status), and making the appropriate recommendations for individual safety and activity status.
• Perform a comprehensive clinical examination of a patient with an upper extremity, lower extremity, head, neck, thorax, and/or spine injury or condition. This exam should incorporate clinical reasoning in the selection of assessment procedures and interpretation of findings in order to formulate a differential diagnosis and/or diagnosis, determine underlying impairments, and identify activity limitations and participation restrictions. Based on the assessment data and consideration of the patient's goals, provide the appropriate initial care and establish overall treatment goals. Create and implement a therapeutic intervention that targets these treatment goals to include, as appropriate, therapeutic modalities, medications (with physician involvement as necessary), and rehabilitative techniques and procedures. Integrate and interpret various forms of standardized documentation including both patient-oriented and clinician-oriented outcomes measures to recommend activity level, make return to play decisions, and maximize patient outcomes and progress in the treatment plan. (upper extremity, lower extremity, head, neck, thorax, spine)
• Perform a comprehensive clinical examination of a patient with a common illness/condition that includes appropriate clinical reasoning in the selection of assessment procedures and interpretation of history and physical examination findings in order to formulate a differential diagnosis and/or diagnosis. Based on the history, physical examination, and patient goals, implement the appropriate treatment strategy to include medications (with physician involvement as necessary). Determine whether patient referral is needed, and identify potential restrictions in activities and participation. Formulate and communicate the appropriate return to activity protocol.
• Clinically evaluate and manage a patient with an emergency injury or condition to include the assessment of vital signs and level of consciousness, activation of emergency action plan, secondary assessment, diagnosis, and provision of the appropriate emergency care (eg, CPR, AED, supplemental oxygen, airway adjunct, splinting, spinal stabilization, control of bleeding).
• Select and integrate appropriate psychosocial techniques into a patient's treatment or rehabilitation program to enhance rehabilitation adherence, return to play, and overall outcomes. This includes, but is not limited to, verbal motivation, goal setting, imagery, pain management, self-talk, and/or relaxation.
• Demonstrate the ability to recognize and refer at-risk individuals and individuals with psychosocial disorders and/or mental health emergencies. As a member of the management team, develop an appropriate management plan (including recommendations for patient safety and activity status) that establishes a professional helping relationship with the patient, ensures interactive support and education, and encourages the athletic trainer's role of informed patient advocate in a manner consistent with current practice guidelines.
• Utilize documentation strategies to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, insurers, colleagues, administrators, and parents or family members while using appropriate terminology and complying with statues that regulate privacy of medical records. This includes using a comprehensive patient-file management system (including diagnostic and procedural codes) for appropriate chart documentation, risk management, outcomes, and billing.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure	Percentage/Points
Required Documentation	10%
Biweekly/Monthly Reports	10%
Discussion/Patient Population Submission	30%
CROs	30%
Attendance and Participation at Clinical Site	20%

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance and Participation are graded components of this course.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

No course materials are required.