Preceptors' perceptions of evidence-based practice in teaching athletic training students

There is limited research available in the field of athletic training regarding evidence-based practice (EBP) and how it relates to preceptors in athletic training education programs (Steves & Hootman, 2004). The purpose of this study was to determine preceptors' perceived attitudes toward the use of evidence-based practice in their clinical setting and their use of evidence-based practice with students. First, the study determined the preceptors' attitudes toward evidence-based practice. Second, the study determined how often the preceptors utilized evidence-based practice methods to influence their own decisions in their clinical practice. Last, the study determined the perceived barriers when utilizing EBP with athletic training students in their clinical settings.;An evidence-based concepts assessment (EBCA) was used to gather information about the use of EBP in the preceptors' clinical setting and how EBP was used with teaching athletic training students. The survey was sent to 146 preceptors who were affiliated with a Commission on Accreditation on Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accredited athletic training program.;Statistical tests were used in this study to analyze the results of the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate means and standard deviations. The study revealed that preceptors had a strong opinion that evidence-based practice was a fad that iv will come and go. The majority of preceptors felt that EBP was not important for the credibility of the profession. Means and standard deviations showed strong attitudes towards the barriers of implementing evidence-based practice with students. These barriers included not enough time to teach students EBP in the clinic and lack of strong research on interventions that could be used in the clinic.