Table 1 Barriers and facilitators to chiropractor inclusion in inter-professional practice

Back pain expert relevance?

… we do not experience players who have an issue with their low back being out of training. (HC7; L42–44).

Shift toward extended health care delivery

I found that he would be able to complement me and the other physiotherapists. Particularly with the knowledge of the back and neck (HC1; L52–54).

We do not [decide] from our own subject knowledge. … we combine our subject knowledge and get a common output – and that is the output we release (HC3; L57–60).

Uniqueness of chiropractor expertise

… we have had osteopaths… instead of chiropractors… which you can say on some things are down the same road (HC6; L6–10).

Perceived need for a (spinal) MSK expert

I think there was a need for their [chiropractor] knowledge and what they could do (HC5; L122).

Existing provider group competition

… the previous physios were not fans of chiropractors, it was the players who needed to ask to be seen by a chiropractor… (CH1; L41–44).

I do not know the chiropractor’s role in rehabilitation and how good they are at that – and that is probably why it is physiotherapists we employ (HC7; L54–58).

Athlete satisfaction

If he was not here and we could not use him, it would be a shortcoming, … (AT1; L60–62)

We benefit much from them… The chiropractors are more long-term solution oriented. I think that is the way so many utilize them… (AT2; L20–26)

Financial limitations

It is not that I do not want to be there more, but I do not think the club can afford it (CH1; L99–101).

There is [only] money for two full time employees and I prefer that instead of me being full time and four others sharing the other days, to be as few as possible. And from those criteria I think it makes more sense to have two full time physiotherapists… (HC7; L14–19).