Professionalism can be defined as the conduct, goals, or qualities that characterize a profession or a professional (Professionalism, 2014). There are many constituents of professionalism that share similar, as well as different, ideals across fields of expertise and organizations. However, a common unifying archetype often found among professions, especially health professions, is the need to protect the organization from liability, protect clients from harm, and improve the quality of care. Within this paradigm lives the requirement of what is considered important to the professional, as well as how to achieve these delineated ideals. These concepts are commonly known as standards and guidelines, respectively. In the following paragraphs, I would like to explore these concepts, their implications, as well as how I implement standards and guidelines into my practice.
Triplett, Williams, McHenry, and Doscher (2009) defined a standard as a required procedure or obligation with legal implications. Triplett et al. (2009) defined a guideline as a recommended procedure to achieve and uphold a standard. Triplett et al. (2009) outlined nine standards with accompanying guidelines of each standard: pre-participation screening and clearance, personal qualifications, program supervision and instruction, facility and equipment set-up (also including inspection, maintenance, repair, and signage), emergency planning and response, records and record keeping, equal opportunity and access, participation in strength and conditioning activities with children, and supplements (including ergogenic aids and drugs). A relevant question exists; are all standards equal in importance?
It is my assertion that all standards that have been mapped out in the article of Triplett et al. (2009) exist because they are all important, carrying equal weight and significance. The standards may be thought of as links in the chain; there exists interdependence between them. From a legal point of view, failure to uphold any of these standards could have legal ramifications on the professional, or the organization. Perhaps a better question exists; which of these standards need more focus in my business?
Of the nine standards provided by Triplett et al. (2009), I believe I am upholding most standards. However, in time I will have my own facility. Currently, my business model is such that I train clients at a local YMCA, as well as directly in their homes. This exempts me largely from observing standards such as facility and equipment set-up (also including inspection, maintenance, repair, and signage). Yet, this is ultimately an important standard when I have my own training studio; I did not know that using home grade equipment in a studio versus commercial grade equipment carried different legal ramifications if an accident occurred due to equipment failure.
Improving professionalism and credibility within our field of health and human performance (HHP) will take time. Compared to other professions, HHP is still in its infancy. However, part of its continued growth and maturation will be predicated on the vigilance we place on the standards and guidelines that underpin our field. Only then, will we see the HHP rise to its rightful place amongst other allied health professions.
References
Professionalism (2014). Merriam-Webster. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professionalism
Triplett, N. T., Williams, C., McHenry, P., & Doscher, M. (2009). Strength & conditioning professional standards and guidelines. Retrieved from http://www.nsca.com/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=638
-Michael McIsaac