In:
Journal of Athletic Training, Journal of Athletic Training/NATA, ( 2023-07-18)
Abstract:
Best practices to manage cervical spine injury (CSI) in sport have been published yet, knowledge of their use is unknown. Objective To explore high school (HS) athletic trainers (ATs) adoption of CSI management policies and their associated behaviors, barriers, and facilitators. Design Cross-Sectional Study. Setting Online survey platform. Participants ATs providing medical services to US HSs. Main Outcome Measures The precaution adoption process model was employed in an online questionnaire, to determine the stage of adoption by ATs for each CSI management policy component. Components obtained from the National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement on acute management of the CSI athlete included immediate care, emergency tools to remove equipment, and maintenance of equipment removal skills. Questions assessed AT demographics and HS characteristics, and facilitators and barriers to policy adoption. Data are presented as proportions and associations determined through Chi-Square analysis (p & lt;.05). Results A total of 508 ATs responses were included. Of ATs 33.1% reported adoption of incomplete policies ( & lt;3 components of a CSI management policy, n=168, 95% CI= [29.5%, 37.2%], and 66.9% adopted comprehensive policies (n=339, 95% CI= [62.9%, 71.0%] ). A significant association was found between coordination of CSI policies with emergency medical services (EMS) and adoption of the policy components of comprehensive immediate CSI care (χ2(1)=49.56, P & lt;.001), emergency tools for athletic equipment removal (χ2(1)=41.49, P & lt;.001), and the practice and maintenance of equipment removal skills (χ2(1)=86.12, P & lt;.001). Approximately two-thirds (66.5%) reported that a positive relationship with EMS (n=338, 955% CI [62.4%, 70.7%]) was a facilitator, while 42.5% reported challenges with local EMS as a barrier (n= 216, 95% CI [38.2%, 46.9%] ). Conclusions Immediate care and emergency tool policy components had the highest rates of adoption. Higher rates of adoption in this project were associated with coordination of CSI policies with local EMS. ATs also report challenges in coordinating with EMS. Interventions to improve collaboration, training, and interprofessional respect between ATs and EMS personnel may improve policy adoption.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1938-162X
,
1062-6050
DOI:
10.4085/1062-6050-0676.22
Language:
English
Publisher:
Journal of Athletic Training/NATA
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2070051-9
SSG:
31
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