The Progress and Promise of Interprofessional Education in Athletic Training Programs

Abstract

Context: Interprofessional education (IPE), an emerging theme in health professional education programs, intends to prepare students for collaborative practice in order to improve patient outcomes. In 2012, the profession of athletic training strategically began to increase program participation in IPE. Objective: This article compares 2 studies that examined the presence of IPE in athletic training. Design: Cross-sectional design utilizing similar surveys regarding athletic training program participation in, and readiness for, IPE initiatives were administered via Qualtrics in 2012 and 2015. Patients and Other Participants: Program directors of Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited athletic training programs were surveyed in 2012 and 2015 using the “Interprofessional Education Assessment and Planning Instrument for Academic Institutions” in addition to program demographic information and IPE participation. Data Collection and Analysis: The participants involved included 160 of 367 surveyed (43.6%) in 2012 and 162 of 380 surveyed (42.6%) in 2015. Results: Data were analyzed, and χ2 analysis revealed a significant relationship between level of accreditation and academic unit housing the program in both studies. Significant change was also shown in program participation in IPE from 2012 to 2015. However, institutional readiness and infrastructure for IPE was low in nearly all categories. Conclusions: Interprofessional education has a greater presence in Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education professional programs that reside in health science–related academic units and are accredited at the master's level. However, less than 50% of the programs participate in IPE. There is also a need for greater institutional infrastructure and readiness for IPE.