The Perceived Value of Interprofessional Practice According to Classroom Teachers, Special Education Teachers, and Speech-Language Pathologists

Purpose: When working with students with speech, language, and communica-tion needs, classroom teachers (CLTs), special education teachers (SETs), and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) must engage in interprofessional practice (IPP). According to the expectancy-value model, IPP adoption is partially contin-gent on its perceived value. The objective of this study was to analyze whether and how the perceived value of IPP differs across four domains (interest, costs, benefits for the specialist, and benefits for the students) among the three profes-sional groups and the extent to which various factors affect this perception. This study focuses on school-based professionals in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland, working under the same administrative authority and in accordance with the same guidelines. Method: A total of 317 staff members from mainstream schools in Bern, Swit-zerland (142 CLTs, 89 SETs, and 86 SLPs), completed an IPP questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to compare the four domains of per-ceived values between groups, and structural equation modeling was used to assess the impact of various factors. Results: SETs showed the most positive perception of IPP across all domains, whereas CLTs and SLPs were less positive. Self-reported competencies in IPP positively influenced the perceived value of CLTs and SLPs; however, percep-tions were more negative at the secondary school level for CLTs and SLPs. Conclusion: Since CLTs, SETs, and SLPs in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland, operate under the same administrative guidelines, the differences in perceived value of IPP are attributed to their distinct professional backgrounds and work environments.