The Impact of Athletic Trainers in a Clinic Setting
Abstract
The purpose was to determine if patients understand the abilities and skill sets of ATs in the orthopedic sports medicine clinic and to examine how ATs employed in an orthopedic sports medicine clinic setting influence patient satisfaction. A total of 126 participants, 68 male and 58 female patients seen at the clinic participated in the study. A survey to determine patient satisfaction, perception and knowledge of ATs was adapted by combining portions of three surveys. 47.5% of participants were either "very familiar" or "extremely familiar" in the abilities of an AT. While 93% of participants rated their satisfaction during their experience with an AT an eight or higher out of ten. A majority of participants had an understanding of the skills and abilities of an AT. ATs employed in an orthopedic sports medicine clinic appear to have a positive impact on patient's satisfaction.