Interprofessional vs. interdisciplinary services in school-based occupational therapy practice

Interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary service is strongly advocated in school-based occupational therapy practice. The terms, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary, however, are not accurate in their use. This paper examines the difference between the terms of discipline and profession and recommends the more precise and appropriate use of interprofession and transprofession related to school-based occupational therapy practice. Occupational therapy is a profession, not a discipline. Using the terms of interprofession and transprofession can benefit the occupational therapy profession by increasing language use precision, facilitating professionalism, and improving interprofessional interactions and collaborations based upon accuracy. 2004