Main description:

As one of the first texts of its kind, Evidence-Based Practice in Athletic Training contains essential information on the fundamentals of evidence-based practice (EBP) for students who are working toward certification in athletic training and athletic trainers who wish to stay up to date on best practices in the field. With EBP, all clinical decisions are based on available research studies, and these studies are selected and assessed according to specific criteria that yield evidence of benefit. EBP is a continuing education requirement for athletic trainers who are certified with the Board of Certification (BOC).

Grounded in solid science, Evidence-Based Practice in Athletic Training explains the basics of EBP and the research design methods that are so vital to its implementation. Starting in part I, the text introduces the various levels of evidence, well-built question development using the PICO technique (patient problem or population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes), the five steps of searching for evidence, and search techniques. Part II guides readers through researching specific questions and evaluating research studies, including how to incorporate the evidence they find into their clinical practice. Part III reviews the various research types, their uses and benefits, and research ethics as a critical part of the process of EBP. Through these step-by-step chapters, readers will be able to formulate clinical questions, perform research on current studies, analyze the available data, and apply the principles in their practice in order to provide the best and most accurate care possible.

In addition to in-depth information on the principles and application of EBP, Evidence-Based Practice in Athletic Training presents clinically based scenarios that allow students to apply their recently acquired knowledge to real-life situations, thus encouraging a deeper understanding of the topics presented throughout the text. These scenarios allow those who are learning EBP concepts for the first time to understand how EBP is incorporated clinically.

The most efficient, systematic, and thorough resource of its kind, Evidence-Based Practice in Athletic Training encourages students and current certified athletic trainers to ask meaningful questions, gain the knowledge they need for excelling in future practice, and rise to the top of their profession. For students who want a thorough skill base in EBP and for credentialed health care professionals who seek further knowledge in the area, Evidence-Based Practice in Athletic Training will help all current and future athletic trainers provide the best care for their athletes and clients.

Contents:

Part I. Introduction

Chapter 1. Evidence-Based Practice Models

Definition of Evidence-Based Practice

Five Steps of Evidence-Based Practice

Levels of Evidence

Purpose of Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Athletic Training

Summary

References

Chapter 2. Steps in Evidence-Based Practice Research

Step 1: Create a Clinically Relevant and Searchable Question Concerning Your Athlete

Step 2: Conduct a Database Search to Find the Best Evidence

Step 3: Critically Appraise the Articles or Evidence for Quality

Step 4: Critically Synthesize the Evidence to Choose and Implement a Treatment

Step 5: Assess the Outcomes by Monitoring the Athlete

Search Troubleshooting Tips

Summary

References

Chapter 3. Research Evaluation

Reliability

Validity

Prevalence Independent Test

Calculating Sensitivity and Specificity

Summary

References

Part II. Critical Appraisal of Evidence-Based Practice

Chapter 4. Diagnostic Research

Measurement

Methods

Summary

References

Chapter 5. Prognostic Research

Prognostic Designs

Prognostic Statistics

Appraisal Questions

Summary

References

Chapter 6. Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

Review of the Evidence Pyramid

Definitions of and Differences Among Filtered Reviews

Strengths and Processes of Critically Appraised Topics

Strengths and Processes of Systematic Reviews

Strengths and Processes of Meta-Analyses

How to Find Critically Appraised Topics, Systematic Reviews, and Meta-Analyses

Practice EBP Searches

Summary

References

Chapter 7. EBP in Daily Clinical Practice

Your Practice Based on Evidence

Your Practice Based on Your Clinical Experience

Your Practice Based on Athlete Preferences and Values

Clinical Practice Guidelines

Practice Altruism

Summary

References

Chapter 8. Review Outcome Measures

Types of Outcome Measures

Psychometric Properties of Outcome Measures

Communicating Outcomes

Assessing Your Self-Practice

Adjusting Your Practice

Summary

References

Part III. Research Statistics and Design

Chapter 9. Quantitative Research

Types of Quantitative Data

Types of Quantitative Research Designs

Descriptive Statistics

Common Inferential Statistics

Summary

References

Chapter 10. Qualitative Studies

Types of Qualitative Research Studies

Gathering Data

Analyzing Data

Assessing Trustworthiness

Critical Appraisal of Qualitative Research Studies

Qualitative Research and Athletic Training

Summary

References

Chapter 11. Research Ethics

Ethical Roadblocks

Trustworthiness and Conflicts

Summary

References