Changes of Interprofessional Education in Athletic Training: A 5-Year Follow-up Study

Abstract

Interprofessional Education (IPE) prepares students in the healthcare field for collaborative practices. Faculty perceptions of IPE have been investigated among several health professions. We assess athletic training (AT) faculty perceptions of the importance of the four IPE competencies, their attitudes towards IPE, their attitudes and beliefs about IPE in the academic settings, their perceived barriers, and opportunities towards implementing IPE in AT curricula; and how these have changed. This study utilized a cross-sectional online survey administered anonymously in 2017 and 2022. The study population was faculty from accredited AT education programs in the USA identified through the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA). We find that in the last five years, faculty perception of IPE has shifted to a more positive attitude toward understanding and implementing IPE in AT programs. However, data showed no significant differences between the initial and follow-up studies. Values and ethics and teams and teamwork were the two competencies ranked the highest in both studies. Younger respondents ranked communication higher than older respondents. Barriers to IPE implementation included lack of resources, allocated funding, and institutional support. The creation of an IPE program coordinator was one of the opportunities highlighted. Faculty of AT programs are aware of the importance of IPE and demonstrated a general positive attitude toward implementing IPE in their AT curricula. However, several barriers have been identified, including a perceived negative attitudes toward AT from other health professions.