Perceptions of Shared Decision-Making and Interprofessional Education at National Collegiate Athletic Association Institutions

Authors

• Shelene Thomas, Augustana UniversityFollow
• Rebecca Downey, Regis UniversityFollow
• Kaylyn McAnally Star, Regis UniversityFollow
• Erin Choice, Regis UniversityFollow
• Anthony P. Breitbach, Saint Louis UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: When a shared decision-making design is employed in the return to sport (RTS) Continuum, the athletes’ outcome improves. Yet, many professional programs (i.e., athletic training and medicine) integrate interprofessional education into curricula differently or not at all. Therefore, there may be a mismatch between theory, curricula, and practice implementation. This discrepancy could impact care team operations and RTS outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess perceptions of shared decision-making practices, communication strategies, and perceived barriers among interprofessional RTS care team members in NCAA intercollegiate athletics.

Methods: A mixed-methods, cross-sectional study including anonymous, web-based survey responses from 253 varying professionals from RTS care teams at NCAA member institutions.

Results: The majority of professionals (77 %) from a variety of professions perceived their care teams to exhibit a shared decision-making approach. However, of those who did not, themes to explain a lack of shared decision making model included barriers such as lack of trust, hierarchy, and a lack of effective communication To support collaboration, strategies in communication should possess a spirit of mutual respect, promoting collaboration, and trust.

Conclusions: Participants expressed willingness for additional interprofessional education in the workplace of intercollegiate RTS care teams. Informed shared decision-making models may support improved collaboration and decision processes within intercollegiate athletics.

Author Bio(s)

Shelene Thomas, PT DPT, EdD, GCS, FNAP is a Program Director for Augustana University DPT CO Program. She is a licensed physical therapist in the state of CO, MN and SD.

Rebecca Downey, PT, DPT, CCS is an Assistant Professor at Regis University in Denver, CO. She is a licensed physical therapist in CO.

Kaylyn McAnally Star, PhD is an Assistant Professor at Regis University in Denver, CO. She is an exercise physiologist in CO.

Erin Choice, PhD, CSCS is Department Chair of the Exercise Science Program at Regis University in Denver, CO. She is a certified strength and conditioning coach and exercise physiologist in Denver, CO.

Anthony Breitbach, PhD, ATC, FASHP, FNAP is a Professor and Director of Interprofessional Education at St. Louis University in St. Louis, MO. He is a certified athletic trainer in St. Louis, MO.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Dr. Mario Beltran, PT, DPT, ATC, OCS for his support. Additionally, both Rebekah Fankhauser, SPT and Tori Maybruck, SPT who worked on the project and Jon Schiller support in Figure design.

Recommended Citation

Thomas S, Downey R, McAnally Star K, Choice E, Breitbach AP. Perceptions of Shared Decision-Making and Interprofessional Education at National Collegiate Athletic Association Institutions. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Jun 01;24(2), Article 9.