As a company that provides non-traditional work, advocacy, and resources for the modern AT, it is part of our mission to push the boundaries of the athletic training profession and champion a non-traditional attitude.
If you resonate with being a “modern AT” then you know that part of that identity is being curious in your own understanding and continuing to evolve to better serve your patients and the profession.
It all starts with us as individuals and in the interest of inclusivity and greater awareness around the populations we serve in athletic training, we put together a list of resources to improve our advocacy and understanding.
Being an Ally by Advancing Awareness LGBTQIA+
It is no secret that the LGBTQIA+ community has historically been an underserved population in healthcare. Times are changing and we must advance awareness around all communities and individuals in an effort towards a more equitable future. Check out these NATA resources about inclusivity:
https://www.nata.org/blog/claire-higgins/lgbtqia-specific-cultural-competency-resources
https://www.nata.org/professional-interests/inclusion/resources
Adolescent Abuse and Mandated Reporter Training
Most states and school districts require anyone working with minors to be trained on how to recognize and report abuse, in fact, 44 of the 50 states have some level of requirement. As healthcare providers, it is vital that we know what steps need to be taken to support and protect adolescent patients we encounter. Check out this link for a free 60-minute mandated reporter training for Healthcare Providers: https://safesporttrained.org/#/public-dashboard
Cultural Competence
In this ever-changing time, it is vital to respect each individual for who they are and to be aware and competent in cultural differences both professionally and personally. Check out the NATA website for more info and resources on Cultural Competency https://www.nata.org/practice-patient-care/health-issues/cultural-competence and also read our other blog on cultural competence HERE.
Implicit Bias
This is the attitude and beliefs that individuals may be unwilling or unable to report. For example, you may vocalize that men and women are equal, but could unknowingly respond with underlying attitudes or behaviors which demonstrate otherwise. Check out this link to learn if you have an implicit attitude that you did not know about: https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html
Mental Health
Millions of Americans live with mental illness. These factors are directly linked to health-related quality of life, and patient outcomes. Healthcare providers must consider mental health as it relates to shared decision-making in treatment and overall patient education in care planning. Consider implementation of outcome measures to accelerate your clinical skills and data collection. Check out these outcome measures related to mental health.
Take your clinical practice to the next level by examining these additional resources related to mental health education.
We hope you find these resources helpful as you continue to expand your awareness and evolve as a modern AT. As stated above, it all begins with us and the goal is to be the change in order to create a ripple effect and generate change at a systemic level.
