Collegiate athletic trainers' perceptions of the benefits and drawbacks of interprofessional collaborative practice

Interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) is a recommended area of emphasis within healthcare. Little is known regarding athletic trainers' perceptions of benefits and drawbacks to participation in IPCP. A cross-sectional survey design with open-ended questions was utilised to survey 513 athletic trainers from across the United States. Data were extracted and analysed following a general inductive qualitative approach to determine categories and subcategories. Triangulation occurred via multi-analyst coding and review of findings by an external auditor. Athletic trainers' perceptions of IPCP align with the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Core Competencies. A team approach to care and improved patient care are perceived as benefits to IPCP. Learning and understanding the roles of other healthcare professionals as well as communication among team members are perceived as both benefits and drawbacks to IPCP. The ability to appreciate and implement the IPEC Core Competencies may help the athletic trainer participate in the growing IPCP culture. Identification and dissemination of strategies to increase IPCP participation among athletic trainers are needed.