Athletic Trainers’ Perceptions of Patient-Reported Outcomes After Completing a Clinic-Wide Implementation Program

Abstract

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are important for capturing patients’ perspectives on quality of life and aiding in provision of whole-person patient care; yet, PROs are not routinely used in athletic training practice. We investigated the athletic trainers’ perceptions of using PROs after they had completed a required PRO implementation program. Athletic trainers had positive perceptions after integrating PROs into clinical practice. Barriers associated with PRO use may be improved with a support structure that requires accountability and provides resources such as reminders and professional development to recognize ways that PROs can be used to improve patient care.