Perceptions Of Appropriate Relationships Between Athletic Training Students And Student-athletes In The University/college Setting

Abstract

Dual relationships are an issue in healthcare professions. Dual relationships develop between athletic training students and student-athletes are of concern in the university and college setting. Policies regarding ethical relationships are in place for most institutions. However, dual relationships between athletic training students and student-athletes continue to occur. PURPOSE: To understand the perceptions of appropriate ethical relationships between athletic training students and athletes while promoting ethical knowledge. METHODS: NATA Survey Service sent survey to 1,000 random NATA student membership participants from the inclusion criteria.106 undergraduate and graduate athletic training students participated. Participants evaluated scenarios detailing ethical dilemmas typically faced as student athletic trainers. Participants then chose from preset answers to gain perspective on their choice. Statistical analysis included Chi-square set at the.05 level and phi. Since this is the first study within athletic training program student, items with a significance to .06 were considered. RESULTS: Scenario 1 detailed a conflict of interest scenario asking if the athletic training student would re-evaluate an injury of a significant other. Females were more likely to re-evaluate the injury (χ 2 (1, N = 106) = .027 p = 4.896) than males. Phi indicated the strength of association is very weak (φ c= -0.019). Undergraduates (χ 2 = (1, N = 106) = 0.055 p = 3.686 were more likely to re-evaluate the injury. Phi indicated the strength of association of education level is very weak (φ c= -0.186). Scenario 5 detailed the ethical dilemma of revealing HIPPA related information to another athletic training student. Students with ethics education were less likely to reveal sensitive HIPPA information (χ 2 = (1, N = 106) = 3.621 p = 0.057) than those without. Phi indicated the strength of association of education level is very weak (φ c= -0.094). CONCLUSION: Ethics education is needed early and often during athletic training education to help promote proper ethical practice in practicing athletic trainers.