Case Study: Academic Position Paper Coordination for the National Athletic Trainers Association

Background & Project Scope

The National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) embarked on a collaborative project to create an academic position paper addressing the evolving role of athletic trainers in comprehensive athlete care and performance. The paper involved five co-authors including professors, practicing dietitians, and athletic trainers.

Each contributor provided a distinct section for the position paper, outlining their expertise and insights. The challenge was to ensure a cohesive writing style, tone, and voice throughout the document. Additionally, the goal was to streamline the feedback process by compiling and summarizing individual feedback, facilitating easier interpretation and application.

Virtual Assistant’s Role

Content Harmonization:

  • Analyzing and understanding each contributor's section.

  • Rewriting sections to achieve a consistent writing style, tone, and voice across the entire paper.

Feedback Compilation:

  • Gathering detailed feedback from each contributor.

  • Summarizing and categorizing feedback to present a comprehensive overview for the group lead.

Communication Facilitation:

  • Acting as a liaison between contributors to address queries and ensure a unified approach.

  • Facilitating virtual meetings for discussion and clarification.

Revision Coordination:

  • Collaborating with contributors for necessary revisions based on feedback.

  • Ensuring timely integration of revisions to maintain project timelines.

project outcomes

  • Consistency in Writing Style: The position paper achieved a uniform and cohesive writing style, enhancing readability and maintaining a professional tone throughout.

  • Streamlined Feedback Process: The compiled and summarized feedback provided the group lead with a clear understanding of areas for improvement and consensus among contributors.

  • Enhanced Collaboration: Virtual meetings fostered open communication and collaboration among contributors, leading to a stronger sense of teamwork.

  • Timely Project Completion: By efficiently managing revisions and communication, the project was completed within the established timeline.

Conclusion

The collaborative effort resulted in a well-crafted academic position paper for the NATA, showcasing the expertise of each contributor while presenting a unified voice. The streamlined feedback process facilitated a smoother collaboration and demonstrated the value of a virtual assistant in managing complex, multifaceted projects.