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1 Continuing Professional Certification Project Updates Focus Group Results During April 2022, eight AT focus groups, representing varied practice settings, took place. Results from these groups helped to define plans and next steps for ongoing work groups. The main objectives of these research discussions were to define meaningful and impactful activities for learning and professional development, as well as identify any challenges specific to practice setting that could impede completion of any proposed certification maintenance activities. Key Takeaways • ATs are open to additional learning initiatives to maintain certification • ATs want interdisciplinary and peer learning • ATs want hands-on, structured learning • ATs are looking for learning activities that are tailored to their career/interests Work Group Phase The CPC work groups launched in June 2022 and will continue through 2023, based on input gathered during earlier research and ongoing work group results. Quality Improvement (QI): One of the first work groups centered around the concept of Quality Improvement (QI). QI is a component of CPC under consideration, based on previous results of a QI pilot (conducted from January to August 2020) involving nearly 250 ATs, as well as positive input around this educational tool received during the AT focus groups for CPC. This group was charged with sharpening an existing template for QI to allow ATs to create their own projects, providing a directly applicable and individualized approach. In addition, the group provided several recommendations for the technology and facilitation of these components as well as discussed methods for QI project collaboration among ATs. During discussion, the group defined Quality Improvement as it relates to the athletic training profession: 2 Quality Improvement provides the framework to continuously and systematically evaluate Athletic Trainer’s health care delivery to improve their practice and quality of service for patients. The QI work group consisted of six ATs and one outside expert who specializes in quality improvement. All AT participants had QI experience, and some are currently teaching QI to ATs and other health care professionals. This group met over six weeks during July and August. Additional work groups, including a second QI Work Group, are currently meeting and will continue into 2023. Professional Goals Appraisal (PGA): There were two work groups assembled that reviewed recommendations from a previously conducted pilot, assessed the current PGA and provided guidance for enhancing the PGA into the broader CPC program. Part of their work included development of a formative learning component. Competence Assessment Modules (CAMs): This group considered strategies, efficiencies and collaboration opportunities to identify recommendations for developing CAMs. BOC Standards Committee/Continuing Education (CE): This group evaluated current continuing education categories and requirements for any recommendations that might impact CPC. In addition to the formulation of recommendations, each group, along with staff, considered the technology, communications and budgetary implications of proposed actions. CPC Task Force The CPC Task Force was a large, diverse volunteer group within the athletic training profession intentionally assembled to provide a broad representation of settings and demographics. Its role has been to provide oversight of the research and development phase where results are funneled for analysis, and to define recommendations for the BOC Board of Directors. Liaisons from the CPC Task Force attended work group meetings. Following the work group phase, the CPC Task Force met in April to review reports and recommendations from all work groups, and either accepted or enhanced presented recommendations for the BOC board’s review and approval. Their report was presented and considered during the board’s July 2023 meeting. 3 Power Panel The BOC Power Panel, a large group of ATs and other stakeholders, provides input during CPC development through online survey feedback. Most recently, the Power Panel was surveyed about frequency of educational activities and its impact on learning. When asked “How often should ATs engage in continuing education during any given month?” more than 80% responded monthly, while nearly one-fifth responded that multiple times per month was ideal. In a follow-up question, results showed that this group of ATs felt that integrating new knowledge into their practice, they needed to engage with the material an average of 47 times. “Frequency of learning and application leads to competence and eventual reflection. Reflection on practice creates advanced knowledge and skill that drive the profession forward.” – Power Panel participant Within the open-ended portion of the survey results, the following key learning themes emerged related to effective learning for ATs: View Report Key Takeaways • Applied/ hands-on knowledge • Repetition in learning • Use of multiple, diverse and new formats • An individualized approach Ongoing Results such as those outlined, in addition to outcomes from ongoing efforts, will be continuously analyzed and reviewed. This progression will continue for at least the next two years until CPC is finalized and implemented to meet the needs of ATs, while fulfilling the level of certification required to enhance our profession and protect the public. Next >