Athletic Training Educators’ Perceptions and Integration of Digital Health

Context Digital health represents a transformative shift in health care, emphasizing patient-centric outcomes over mere technological advancements. Digital health tools include artificial intelligence, telehealth, augmented or virtual reality, wearables and sensors, and electronic health records to enhance patient care and outcomes. However, challenges persist in preparing future health care providers for this evolving landscape, particularly in athletic training programs. Objective To explore current trends in integrating digital health tools within professional athletic training programs. Specifically, we assessed educators’ teaching practices related to digital and computer skills, their anxiety toward technology, and the incorporation of digital health tools in both classroom and clinical settings. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Online survey. Patients or Other Participants One hundred twenty-eight athletic training educators from Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited professional athletic training programs. Data Collection and Analysis Between February 2024 and April 2024, participants completed an online survey that explored teaching practices, technology anxiety using the Abbreviated Technology Anxiety Scale, and integration of digital health tools. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results Findings indicated that a significant portion of educators needed to be teaching foundational computer literacy or digital health equity. Most participants expressed low to mild technology anxiety. Although educators are open to adopting digital health tools, only 45% had previous preparation in digital health, suggesting a need for formal faculty training in this area. Despite this, there was a high level of interest in integrating digital health tools into curricula, though uncertainty remained about expanding Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education standards related to digital health. Conclusions The study highlights a gap between the rapid advancement of digital health technologies and the current educational practices in athletic training programs. Enhanced instructional strategies and continued professional development focused on digital health tools are needed to prepare future providers. Addressing these gaps will ensure that emerging technologies are effectively integrated into athletic training education and future patient care.