Athletic Trainers' Beliefs Regarding Professionalism

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.