The Readiness for interprofessional learning scale: A possible more stable sub-scale model for the original version of RIPLS

Promoting Intraprofessional Collaboration and Critical Thinking With Escape Rooms: An Example of a Clinical Skills Class

IMPORTANCE

Although gamification is recognized for enhancing motivation and learning outcomes, there is a need for specific evidence on how innovative methods, such as educational escape rooms, affect learning experiences and teamwork.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the effectiveness of using the educational escape room as an innovative approach for occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students.

DESIGN

One-group, preexperimental, pre- and poststudy.

SETTING

A simulation laboratory at a university.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventy-six OT and 38 OTA students enrolled in clinical skills classes were randomly assigned to teams of OT and OTA students.

INTERVENTION

An escape room incorporating associated topics covered in the clinical skills course. Students worked collaboratively and applied their combined knowledge and critical thinking skills to solve 10 puzzles to escape in 1 hr.

OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale, Self-Assessment Scale for Active Learning and Critical Thinking, and a researcher-developed knowledge assessment were administered 2 wk before and immediately after the escape room experience to evaluate the students' intraprofessional collaboration, activity learning, critical thinking skills, and knowledge levels.

RESULTS

Students' readiness for teamwork, activity learning, and critical thinking skills increased after participating in the escape room experience. Students' knowledge levels also improved, with a moderate effect size. These results suggest the possible benefits of educational escape rooms.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Escape rooms are an increasingly popular, innovative teaching modality in health care education. This study validated that escape rooms promote students' learning outcomes and intraprofessional teamwork. Plain-Language Summary: This study assessed the effectiveness of using an escape room as a teaching tool in a clinical skills class for occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students. The findings revealed significant improvements in the students' teamwork, active learning, critical thinking skills, and knowledge levels after the escape room experience. These results suggest that incorporating escape rooms into OT education can enhance learning outcomes and should be further explored in future studies with more rigorous experimental designs. This innovative approach benefits students' academic development and can affect OT practice. Fostering collaboration and critical thinking better prepares students to provide comprehensive and effective care to their future clients. This study contributes to the growing body of research that supports active learning pedagogies in OT education, highlighting the importance of engaging and experiential learning methods in preparing students for real-world practice.

An interprofessional education program based on the ARCS-V motivation model on the theme of "Chronic Disease Management and Patient Safety": action research

AIM

The aim of the study was to develop and implement an interprofessional education (IPE) program that would enhance healthcare students' learning by motivating them with a theme.

METHODS

The study, conducted at a university (enrolled in three faculties of health sciences dentistry, and medicine) in Turkey between 2019 and 2022, was designed as action research and followed six stages: Deciding on the Area of Focus, Reconnaissance, Planning, Acting, Evaluation, and Monitoring, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data for program development based on the ARCS-V (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction, and Volition) Motivation Model and ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) instructional design model. The program was based on the ARCS-V motivational design model, included three sessions and, was hybrid. Tactics and strategies from the motivational model were used throughout the online and face-to-face training process. RIPLS (Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale) and ARCS-V measurement tools were used to measure the effectiveness of the training program. RIPLS was used as a pre-and post-test. The ARCS-V motivation scale was used at the end of the training. IPE Student Success Evaluation Form (SSEF) developed by researchers consists of seven sub-dimensions. The maximum score on the scale is 33. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test, Independent test, Wilcoxon rank test, Mann-Whitney U test, and one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

The IPE program titled Chronic Disease Management and Patient Safety was implemented as a hybrid, and 25 students participated. The RIPLS showed statistically significant increases in total scores (p= 0.00), Additionally, the ARCS-V scales revealed high levels of motivation, with average scores of 4.70 ± 0.35 for the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS), 4.53 ± 0.40 for the Course Interest Survey (CIS), and 4.48 ± 0.48 for the Volition For Learning Scale (VFLS). It was found that the scenarios, multimedia elements, messages, e-mails, reflection assignments, and group tasks embedded in the learning content increased students' motivation and interest. According to the IPE-SSEF, all students were successful and passed the 60% limit.

CONCLUSION

The present study offers universities an IPE program themed on "Chronic Disease Management and Patient Safety". This program design can be used for training healthcare professionals who can build strong relationships with patients, are able to define needs, and are competent in interprofessional communication, collaborative leadership, teamwork, ethics, roles responsibilities, and lifelong learning.

Question the promise: validating the interprofessional attitudes scale in Vietnamese health students

The Interprofessional Attitudes Scale (IPAS) is a promising tool for assessing interprofessional education (IPE) attitudes, especially in community-oriented initiatives. To meet the need for validated IPE tools in Vietnam, we translated the IPAS into Vietnamese (Viet-IPAS) and evaluated its psychometric properties. The preparatory phases included forward and backward translation, expert consultations, and student feedback, resulting in strong content validity, face validity, linguistic comprehensibility, and test-retest reliability. During the 2020-2021 academic year, health students from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City were invited for the main phase. A total of 282 students from medical, nursing, pharmacy, and rehabilitation science programs completed an online survey using the Viet-IPAS. Cronbach's alphas for the Teamwork, roles and responsibilities (TRR), Patient-centeredness, Interprofessional biases (IB), Diversity and ethics, and Community-centeredness subscales were .84, .79, .56, .86, and .81, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated an acceptable fit (normed χ2: 2.618, RMSEA: .076, CFI: .874, AGFI: .77). Factor loadings were above .70, except for IB3 and TRR8 items. Modified models by removing IB subscale and TRR8 item showed slightly improved fit. We recommend using the Viet-IPAS with modifications in Vietnamese health student populations and encourage further review and refinement of the instrument.

Barriers and Facilitators for Interprofessional Education in Work-Focused Healthcare: An Integrative Review

PURPOSE

To identify, summarize, and synthesize barriers and facilitators associated with interprofessional education (IPE) for work-focused healthcare professionals such as occupational physicians, social insurance physicians, and labor experts, to inform and stimulate interprofessional collaborative practice within the field of work-focused healthcare.

METHODS

An integrative review was conducted to identify studies that report on IPE for work-focused healthcare professionals. Eight databases (APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, ERIC, Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science) were searched until March 2024. Reference lists of included articles were screened. Inclusion criteria were a description of an IPE activity of which at least one group of participants were work-focused healthcare professionals (in training). Barriers and facilitators were structured using the framework of Measurement Instruments for Determinants of Innovation (MIDI).

RESULTS

From 6123 studies, seven were included. Barriers and facilitators were identified for each level of the MIDI framework. For example, at the level of characteristics of the IPE activity, involvement of skilled educators and reflection opportunities facilitated IPE. At the level of characteristics of IPE participants, role misunderstanding and lack of interaction hindered IPE. At the level of the organizational context, connection to work practice facilitated IPE. At the level of socio-political context, lack of support from external organizations hindered IPE.

CONCLUSION

Insights from this review can inform future IPE development. It is recommended that IPE is integrated in a learning continuum, is connected to daily practice, and includes reflection possibilities and training for interprofessional competencies.

Healthcare Undergraduates' Attitudes and Readiness Toward Interprofessional Education at a Saudi University

Objective

Interprofessional education (IPE) is widely recognized as an effective practice in healthcare education that helps healthcare students understand different professional roles, and values related to collaboration, teamwork, and leadership within healthcare teams. This study was conducted to measure attitudes and readiness for IPE among healthcare students at Taif University and to explore any differences in students' attitudes in relation to their healthcare program, year of study and other related factors.

Methods

Healthcare undergraduates participated in a cross-sectional study conducted from January 2024 to March 2024. Data was collected electronically by filling out an electronic version of The Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS), which was sent to students in advanced years of study, 3rd year and higher, depending on the program. Data was analyzed descriptively and statistically using appropriate univariate and bivariate analyses.

Results

A total of 263 healthcare students participated in the study (68.8% female, 31.2% male), and the majority were from pharmacy program (55.1%), followed by nursing (25.1%) and medicine (19.8%). The overall RIPLS score for all students was 76.58, indicating positive attitudes towards IPE. The RIPLS score differed significantly (P=0.01) in relation to the program of study, with nursing students showing the highest readiness (77.59), and medical students showed the least (73.56). For the other factors, no significant difference was found in RIPLS scores in relation to gender, clinical training experience, attending previous IPE sessions, or the year of study.

Conclusion

Attitudes and readiness for IPE among healthcare undergraduates at Taif University were positive, particularly among nursing students. The reasons behind differences in readiness for IPE among programs need further investigation by researchers and healthcare educators. Offering introductory sessions to introduce the concept of IPE to healthcare programs with lower readiness might be helpful to raise students' awareness of the value of IPE.

Analyzing readiness for interprofessional education among health program students using hierarchical clustering

This study employs a clustering approach to assess the readiness for interprofessional education (IPE) among students enrolled in health-related study programs in Albania. Among a sample of 1470 students, complete data were available for 1383 participants, while 87 cases had missing data. Three distinct clusters were identified using hierarchical clustering analysis based on age and readiness domains: Teamwork (TW) and Professional Practice Identity (PPI). The average scores for TW and PPI were 4.4 ± 0.51 and 4.3 ± 0.51, respectively. Cluster A, consisting of 123 students, exhibited lower scores in both domains and a higher proportion of male students, while Clusters B (846 students) and C (414 students) demonstrated greater readiness for IPE and a higher representation of female students. These findings highlight varying perceptions and values associated with IPE across genders and health-related study programs, emphasizing the necessity for tailored and gender-aware IPE-enhancing interventions. Furthermore, our research underscores the importance of introducing IPE early in the healthcare curriculum and utilizing student clustering to tailor interventions, thus laying the foundation for broader research endeavors. Future studies are recommended to delve deeper into these results and assess the effectiveness of tailored interventions based on this approach in fostering readiness for IPE.

The road to collaboration: The transformative effects of interprofessional education on students' interprofessional attitudes and readiness, socialisation and valuing in medical and nursing students

AIM

This study aims to evaluate the impact of interprofessional education on first-year medical and nursing students' attitudes, readiness to learn and interprofessional socialization using a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Interprofessional collaboration is crucial in healthcare to enhance patient safety and outcomes. Interprofessional education (IPE) promotes teamwork, communication and understanding of professional roles among healthcare professionals.

DESIGN

The study was conducted using a randomized controlled pretest-posttest experimental design.

METHODS

The randomized controlled trial was conducted from January to June 2024 at Atatürk University's Faculties of Medicine and Nursing. The sample consisted of 120 first-year students, randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Data were collected using the "Sociodemographic Information Form," "Interprofessional Attitude Scale," "Interprofessional Learning Readiness Scale," and "Interprofessional Socialisation and Valuing Scale." The experimental group participated in 16 hours of interprofessional education over four weeks, including simulated patient applications, role-play and group work. The control group continued with standard education without interprofessional training.

RESULTS

Interprofessional education resulted in significant improvement in students' interprofessional attitudes, particularly among nursing students, whose scores changed positively compared with the control group. Additionally, interprofessional socialization and valuing levels improved significantly in the experimental group. However, no substantial change was observed in the readiness for interprofessional learning in the experimental or control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Interprofessional education had a positive impact on the attitudes and socialization of medical and nursing students, highlighting the importance of incorporating IPE into healthcare curricula to foster collaboration and improve patient care.

Readiness for Interprofessional Education (IPE) among Radiography students in a Zimbabwean Tertiary Institution: A case study

INTRODUCTION

The successful implementation of Interprofessional Education (IPE) in health education programs requires careful consideration of readiness, challenges, and barriers. This study aimed to utilize a tertiary institution in Zimbabwe as a case study to offer a comprehensive depiction of the readiness for IPE among radiography students.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) was conducted between 4 and 29 September 2023. All radiography students from the selected institution were eligible to participate in the study (n = 101), and consecutive sampling was used to recruit all those who consented. Statistical analysis methods used included a student t-test, exploratory factor analysis using principal component analysis, and ANOVA.

RESULTS

The study included 76 radiography students (n = 61 diagnostic; n = 15 therapy). The overall mean (SD) score on the RIPLS was 80.89 (5.92). A significant difference (p = 0.03) was noted in the mean score between diagnostic students and therapy students, with therapy students scoring higher than their diagnostic counterparts (mean[SD] 83.87 [5.58], and 80.16[5.81] respectively). In the first nine items of the questionnaire about "teamwork and collaboration," most students responded positively (agree and strongly agree) to all items. Most students disagreed with all the items related to negative professional identity (items no. 10-12) and agreed with all items related to positive professional identity (items no. 13-16).

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the potential impact of enabling healthcare students to learn and interact together, as demonstrated by the differences in readiness between students in different programs. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of understanding professional identities and the influence of selection criteria and exposure to teamwork on readiness for IPE.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Promoting interprofessional collaboration and understanding professional identities are crucial for enhancing readiness for IPE among healthcare students, guiding institutions to adopt a more integrated approach to education.

Effects of Interprofessional Education on Readiness for Interprofessional Learning in Rehabilitation Science Students From Professional Health Care Programs: Protocol for a Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization defines interprofessional education (IPE) as a process in which students from different health care programs work together to provide effective care while deepening their knowledge of each other's roles. Previous literature shows a strong argument for early exposure to IPE as a facilitator for high quality patient care. The goal of IPE is to improve interprofessional collaboration (IPC), the "gold standard" of care to enhance patients' quality of life, functional ability, and health status, especially for patients who require expertise from a variety of health care professionals. IPC has shown improvements in quality of life, functional ability, and health status. IPE can occur in the form of structured interventions or spontaneously in student placements. Literature has demonstrated that IPE facilitates skill, knowledge development, teamwork, communication skills, and mutual respect among health care professional students.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to examine IPE outcomes, including readiness for IPC, IPE perceptions, attitudes toward collaborative learning, student confidence, practice efficiency, and team dynamics after IPE interventions in rehabilitation science students.

METHODS

The study will be conducted as outlined by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and will be reported per the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2015 guidelines. Students have performed literature searches across the databases MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, ERIC, Web of Science, and AMED. Studies will be included if their IPE intervention included multiple prelicensure health care professional students in a health care or health care education setting. Based on timelines presented in the Institute of Medicine's report on the impacts of IPE, relevant studies from 2016 to the present will be included. The Risk of Bias 2 tool will be used to study sources of bias. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) working group's methods will be used to evaluate the quality of the evidence presented. The final 3 authors are assisting as supervisors, providing oversight and feedback as needed. Any deviations from this protocol will be reported in the final paper.

RESULTS

The search strategy was finalized and searched across the databases by March 8, 2024. The systematic review was registered with PROSPERO on March 31, 2024. A total of 10,692 citations were retrieved for abstract and title screening, beginning in March 2024, and 756 were eligible for full-text screening in April 2024. Six articles were considered for inclusion and data extraction, which began in July 2024. Finalization of the extracted data and paper will occur in September 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review will provide a summary of the effects of IPE interventions in prelicensure rehabilitation science students. It will provide educators, health care providers, and students with valuable information for understanding the relevance of IPE. It will also shed light on research gaps and highlight areas for further study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42024506081; https://tinyurl.com/3tf2h9er.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/60830.

Readiness for interprofessional education among health profession lecturers at a University in Vietnam: A cross-sectional study

Interprofessional education is acknowledged as an efficacious strategy for fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals, especially in developing countries where interdisciplinarity and cooperation among healthcare practitioners are notably deficient. The present study aimed to investigate the readiness among medical, pharmacy, public health, and nursing faculties for development of an IPE curriculum at a university in Vietnam. Employing a quantitative approach, the revised version of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) questionnaire, comprising 19 items, was utilized to gather data from sixty-nine lecturers, including 26 medicine, 23 pharmacy, 11 public health, and 9 nursing faculties. Total scores and subscores (pertaining to teamwork and collaboration, professional identity, and roles and responsibilities) were subjected to comparison using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Findings revealed a high level of readiness among all faculty members toward IPE with little difference between each faculty. However, nursing lecturers exhibited a more favorable attitude toward the roles and responsibilities associated with IPE in contrast to their counterparts in the medicine faculty (1.89 ± 1.02 vs 3.15 ± 0.63, p = 0.0048). Further study with deep interview methods should be done to explore the barriers of faculty members as well as of the leadership in developing IPE.

Dissecting through the decade: a 10-year cross-sectional analysis of interprofessional experiences in the anatomy lab

Interprofessional education (IPE) is prioritized as a critical component in preparing pre-licensure health professional students for effective teamwork and collaboration in the workplace to facilitate patient-centered care. Knowledge in anatomy is fundamental for healthcare professionals, making interprofessional anatomy education an attractive intervention for IPE and anatomy learning. Since 2009, the Education Program in Anatomy at McMaster University has offered an intensive 10-week IPE Anatomy Dissection elective to seven health professional programs annually. From 2011, students were invited to complete the Readiness for Interprofessional Scale (RIPLS) and Interprofessional Education Perception Scale (IEPS) before and after the elective. A total of 264 students from 2011 to 2020 completed RIPLS and IEPS. There were significant differences before and after the elective in students' total RIPLS scores and three of the four subscales: teamwork and collaboration, positive professional identity, and roles and responsibilities. Similarly, there were statistical differences in the total IEPS scores and two of three subscales: competency and autonomy and perceived actual cooperation. Statistically significant differences in RIPLS and IEPS total scores across several disciplines were also observed. This study demonstrates the elective's impact in improving students' IPE perceptions and attitudes, likely from the extended learning and exposure opportunity with other disciplines.

Evaluating Interprofessional Education Readiness and Perceptions Among Health Professions Students

Background

Inter-professional learning (IPL) or more broadly Inter-professional Education (IPE) refer to a pedagogical approach that involves creating a learning experience where students from different professions learn about, from, and with each other. IPE is crucial for preparing health professionals to offer patient-centered care as part of an interdisciplinary team. This study aims to assess the readiness for IPL among students from different health professions colleges at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was conducted for this study, with a total of 476 undergraduate students from College of Medicine, College of Nursing, and College of Applied Medical Sciences. By using quota sampling, the readiness for interprofessional learning scale (RIPLS) was used to assess the student's readiness for interprofessional learning.

Results

The overall mean score of RIPLS for the students participating was 76.20, with the highest mean score in teamwork and collaboration at 39.73. The lowest mean score was in roles and responsibility at 8.45. The professional identity subscale had a mean score of 26.85. A significant difference in professional identity was found between students in applied medical sciences, nursing, and medicine colleges.

Conclusion

The study reveals that undergraduate students have positive attitudes towards interprofessional education, which can enhance their engagement in developing competencies necessary for effective contribution to interprofessional healthcare teams. High readiness among medical, nursing, and applied medical sciences students allows for the Introduction of IPL.

Exploring dental and oral hygiene students' interprofessional readiness: a cross-sectional study in joint paediatric outreach training

BACKGROUND

Interprofessional education is vital in oral healthcare education and should be integrated into both theoretical and work-based education. Little research addresses interprofessional education in dental hands-on training in authentic oral healthcare settings. The aim of the study was to examine the readiness and attitudes of dental and oral hygiene students towards interprofessional education during joint paediatric outreach training.

METHODS

In the spring of 2022, a cross-sectional study was done involving dental and oral hygiene students using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) during joint paediatric outreach training. The 19-item tool was answered on a five-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neutral, 4 = agree, and 5 = strongly agree). Means, standard deviations, minimums, maximums, and medians were calculated for each subscale and overall score. Students grouped according to their categorical variables were compared for statistically significant differences. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used for groups of two and the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis for groups of three or more. The internal consistency of the scale was measured with Cronbach's alpha. Statistical level was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

The survey included 111 participants, consisting of 51 oral hygiene students and 60 dental students, with a response rate of 93%. The questionnaire yielded a high overall mean score of 4.2. Both oral hygiene (4.3) and dental students (4.2) displayed strong readiness for interprofessional education measured by the RIPLS. The subscale of teamwork and collaboration achieved the highest score of 4.5. Students lacking prior healthcare education or work experience obtained higher RIPLS scores. Oral hygiene students rated overall items (p = 0.019) and the subscales of positive professional identity (p = < 0.001) and roles and responsibilities (p = 0.038) higher than dental students. The Cronbach's alpha represented high internal consistency for overall RIPLS scores on the scale (0.812).

CONCLUSIONS

Both oral hygiene and dental students perceived shared learning as beneficial and showcased high readiness for interprofessional education, as evident in their RIPLS scores. Integrating interprofessional learning into oral hygiene and dental curricula is important. Studying together can form a good basis for future working life collaboration.

Variations in measurement of interprofessional core competencies: a systematic review of self-report instruments in undergraduate health professions education

Educating health care professionals for working in interprofessional teams is a key preparation for roles in modern healthcare. Interprofessional teams require members who are competent in their roles. Self-assessment instruments measuring interprofessional competence (IPC) are widely used in educational preparation, but their ability to accurately and reliably measure competence is unknown. We conducted a systematic review to identify variations in the characteristics and use of self-report instruments measuring IPC. Following a systematic search of electronic databases and after applying eligibility criteria, 38 articles were included that describe 8 IPC self-report instruments. A large variation was found in the extent of coverage of IPC core competencies as articulated by the Interprofessional Education Collaborative. Each instrument's strength of evidence, psychometric performance and uses varied. Rather than measuring competency as "behaviours", they measured indirect proxies for competence, such as attitudes towards core interprofessional competencies. Educators and researchers should identify the most appropriate and highest-performing IPC instruments according to the context in which they will be used.Systematic review registration: Open Science Framework (https://archive.org/details/osf-registrations-vrfjn-v1).

Insights of undergraduate health sciences students about a French interprofessional training initiative

BACKGROUND

Incorporating interprofessional collaboration within healthcare is critical to delivery of patient-centered care. Interprofessional Education (IPE) programs are key to promoting such collaboration. The 'Public Health Service' (PHS) in France is a mandatory IPE initiative that embodies this collaborative spirit, bringing together students from varied health undergraduate training programs-nursing, physiotherapy, pharmacy, midwifery, and medicine- in a common training program focused on primary prevention. The aim of the study was to assess the experience and attitudes of students in the five health training programs regarding the interest of IPEs in the PHS.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was administered to 823 students from the 2022-2023 cohort at a French university. The questionnaire was designed with 12 Likert-scale questions specifically created to evaluate the students' experiences, knowledge, and attitudes focused on IPE during the practical seminars, school interventions, and the overall PHS. Additionally, an open-ended question was utilized to gather qualitative data. Statistical analyses assessed satisfaction levels across undergraduate training programs, while thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative responses.

RESULTS

Within the surveyed cohort, 344 students responded to the survey. The findings showed that students were satisfied with the interprofessional collaboration, both in practical teaching sessions (75% satisfaction) and in primary prevention projects conducted in schools (70% satisfaction), despite their having faced challenges with coordination. Pharmacy students, in particular, highlighted the need for adjustments in program scheduling. The qualitative feedback underscored the positive value of IPE, notwithstanding the organizational difficulties stemming from different academic timetables.

CONCLUSION

The student feedback indicated a high level of satisfaction with the interprofessional work carried out in both the practical teaching and the primary prevention projects. To further enhance the educational impact and address the scheduling complexities, it is recommended that program refinements be made based on student feedback and pedagogical best practices.

A study of the impact of an interprofessional education module in Vietnam on students' readiness and competencies

INTRODUCTION

The literature puts forward a range of challenges of interprofessional education (IPE) related to its planning, initiation, implementation, and especially to IPE assessment. The present study aims to map changes in students' readiness and interprofessional collaboration competence (IPCC) in implementing an innovative IPE module. Potential differences in impact related to the health education programs and IPCC scores resulting from self-, peer-, and tutor assessments will also be analysed.

METHODS

A pre-post design was adopted. The student's readiness for interprofessional learning was assessed using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale, and the student's IPCC score was calculated based on self-, peer-, and tutor assessments with the interprofessional collaborator assessment rubric.

RESULTS

Students' mean post-test readiness scores and mean post-test IPCC scores were significantly higher than the total and subscales/domain pre-test scores (p<0.01). No significant within-subject differences were observed in students' readiness total or subscale scores when comparing health educational programs. However, significant differences were observed in students' mean total IPCC scores between programs (p<0.01). Significant differences in students' average IPCC scores were found when comparing self-, peer- and tutor assessment scores in six domains (p<0.01). Also, significant correlations between peer and tutor assessment scores were observed (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The IPE module, designed and implemented to focus on patient-centred practice within a primary care context, positively impacted students' readiness and IPCC development. These results offer insights to expand the implementation of the IPE module to all health educational programs.

Student perceptions of hybrid delivery of interprofessional anatomy-The best of both worlds?

Interprofessional anatomy dissection (IAD) courses increase students' readiness for interprofessional education (IPE) both in-person and online. During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual environments for anatomy learning were perceived as less effective. Hybrid instruction approaches emerged but have been scarcely evaluated. This study assessed students' experiences with a hybrid IAD course's virtual and in-person components. A hybrid IAD course consisting of virtual and in-person anatomy laboratory-based instruction was offered to 32 students from different health sciences programs. Before and after the full course, students completed the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) and the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS). After the virtual and the in-person course components, students completed a Q-methodology survey to assess their perceptions of the course. Twenty-eight students (20 females; 24.8 ± 6.3 years old) from different programs (4 Physician Assistant; 2 Midwifery; 3 Speech-Language Pathology; 4 Physiotherapy; 3 Occupational therapy; 4 Nursing; 8 Medicine) participated. The total RIPLS score improved after the 8-week course (Median 84 interquartile range [78-87] vs. 87 [85-90]; p = 0.0145). The Q-methodology identified three factors: IPE & Virtual Enthusiasts, Introspective Learners, and IPE & Virtual Skeptics. Factors represented different levels of students' engagement with the IPE and virtual environment. The transition to in-person resulted in all factors praising the experience. Health science students showed improvements in their readiness for IPE after an 8-week hybrid IAD course. The main differences in the evaluations of the virtual and in-person components were related to engagement and the ability to learn anatomy; no differences were noted between settings regarding engagement in IPE.

Effectiveness of interprofessional education for medical and nursing professionals and students on interprofessional educational outcomes: A systematic review

AIM AND BACKGROUND

Patient safety is a global health priority as unsafe care is a principal cause of death and disability. Ineffective interprofessional communication and collaboration among nursing and medical professionals and students contribute to unsafe practices. Interprofessional education provides opportunities to strengthen nurse-physician collaboration and enhance patient care. However, there is inconclusive evidence regarding interprofessional education effectiveness. This review aims to systematically evaluate interprofessional education effectiveness for nursing and medical professionals and students on interprofessional educational outcomes (interprofessional attitudes, perceptions, skills, knowledge, behaviours, and organisational and patient outcomes).

DESIGN AND METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, ERIC, PsycInfo, Web of Science were last searched on 13 January 2022. This review included published and unpublished randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental and mixed-method studies in English examining interprofessional education outcomes among nursing and medical professionals and students. Two reviewers independently appraised studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools and extracted data using a modified Joanna Briggs Institute data extraction form. Narrative synthesis was conducted instead of meta-analysis since majority of the included studies had quasi-experimental design, and various interventions and outcomes. Certainty of evidence was appraised using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations tool.

RESULTS

This review included 15 studies involving 1185 participants. Improvements were reported in each interprofessional educational outcome after interprofessional education. High-fidelity simulation with multiple scenarios, standardised communication tools, didactic and active learning methods, theoretical frameworks, debriefing sessions and provider training enhanced interprofessional education effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

Effectiveness of interprofessional education for nursing and medical professionals and students was demonstrated since improvements were observed for each interprofessional educational outcome. This systematic review addressed literature gaps, demonstrated effectiveness of interprofessional education in clinical practice and academic curricula and provided evidence-based insights that future research can consider to enhance global patient safety standards for optimal patient outcomes and quality of healthcare. Caution is advised in interpreting findings due to 'very low' evidence certainty and limited studies. More high-quality randomised controlled trials with longitudinal designs are needed.

Assessment of Interprofessional Competence of Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Trainees through a Virtual Standardized Patient Encounter

INTRODUCTION

Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) programs have an emphasis on developing skills in providing family-centered and interdisciplinary care. Due to Coronavirus pandemic-related restrictions, opportunities for interdisciplinary education were limited for the 2020-2021 LEND Trainee cohort at The Ohio State University Nisonger Center. Standardized Patient (SP) encounters can be a mechanism for instruction and assessment of interprofessional competence.

METHODS

An SP encounter was developed for the The Ohio State University 2020-2021 LEND Cohort. Prior to the activity, participants (N = 11) were given clinic notes to review from their respective disciplines. During the activity, participants met virtually to develop collaborative recommendations which were then delivered to the SP who portrayed the mother of a young child receiving a new diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Following the encounter, 4 LEND faculty observers completed the Modified McMaster-Ottawa Team Rating Scale and participants completed the Interprofessional Collaboration Competency Attainment Scale-Revised (ICCAS-R).

RESULTS

Eleven LEND trainees completed the ICCAS-R with an overall increase in the mean score from 3.86 to 4.12. Four LEND faculty members completed the Modified McMaster-Ottawa Team Rating Scale, with the Communication domain demonstrating the highest level of competence.

DISCUSSION

This activity was well-received by both faculty and LEND trainees. Although delivered in virtual format, it could easily be transitioned to an in-person encounter for future LEND trainees. The success of this activity further supports that standardized patient encounters can be a feasible mechanism for instruction and assessment of interprofessional competencies and serve as a training mechanism for LEND programs.

Patient safety interprofessional education program using medical error scenarios for undergraduate nursing and medical students in Korea

Interprofessional education (IPE) for patient safety is becoming increasingly important worldwide. However, Korea lacks a systematic approach toward patient safety, despite the high demand for teamwork and patient communication education. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of a patient safety IPE program using medical error scenarios. The program was developed to enhance patient safety motivation and interprofessional learning attitudes among medical and nursing students, and evaluate the design of the program and students' satisfaction levels. The program comprises two modules, each consisting of lectures, team-based case analysis, role-play, and high-fidelity simulation activities. This study followed a quasi-experimental pre-post test design to determine program outcomes. An online survey for the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS), patient safety motivation, program design evaluation, and program satisfaction was conducted before and after the program. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired sample t-tests, and Pearson's correlation. The pre-post RIPLS and patient safety results were significant (t = -5.21, p < .001;t = -3.20, p = .002). The results of the medical scenario examination of the patient safety IPE program showed improved motivation for patient safety among students, and contributed to the improvement of IPE learning attitudes by improving team work and collaboration.

Intraprofessional learning: Dentistry and oral health students' readiness and experience

INTRODUCTION

Intraprofessional learning is a promising approach to enhance teamwork and patient care. This mixed-method study aimed to assess the readiness and experience of dental and oral health students toward intraprofessional learning.

METHODS

Dental and oral health students were paired alternatively in a clinician and assistant role in a pediatric clinical setting. The Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale was adapted for a pre- and post-survey. Focus groups were conducted to elicit the students' shared learning experience.

RESULTS

Approximately 50% of dental and oral health students participated in the pre- and post-survey. Pre-test findings revealed similar attitudes toward intraprofessional practice for both groups. However, a statistically significant lower score (p < 0.022) for the oral health students in the post-test suggested a less positive attitude toward their experience. Qualitative results indicated that dental students acquired a better understanding of the clinical scope of oral health students, and they learned clinical skills and behavior management from their counterparts. Conversely, oral health students experienced a hierarchical lack of collegiality and reciprocity from dental students, which may have contributed to their lower post-test score. Despite this, some oral health students gained more confidence in their roles and abilities within the intraprofessional team. Overall, dental students valued this learning experience more and desired more intraprofessional opportunities.

CONCLUSION

Both groups of dental and oral health students had similar readiness levels to enter intraprofessional practice, appreciated the intraprofessional experience, and gained an increased appreciation for the collaborative approach to patient care. Intraprofessional learning during training may assist with developing collegiality across the dental professions in practice.

Comparison of students' readiness from six health education programs for interprofessional learning in Vietnam: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Interprofessional education (IPE) is expected to help prepare undergraduate health profession students to collaborate with other healthcare professionals in realising quality of care. Studies stress the necessity of students' readiness for interprofessional learning (IPL) in view of designing IPE programs. The present study aims to determine students' IPL-readiness and looks at related differences in students enrolled in different programs and at different phases in their educational program.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey study was set up among 1139 students from six health programs at HueUMP, using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS). Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U tests.

RESULTS

The overall mean RIPLS score was 68.89. RIPLS scores significantly differed between programs and between phases in the educational programs. Medical students presented a lower readiness level for IPL than students from other programs. In contrast to a significant increase in RIPLS scores of students in the clinical phase in Vietnamese traditional medicine, medicine, and pharmacy, a decrease in RIPLS scores was observed in students in the clinical phase in odonto-stomatology.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences could be related to differences in educational programs and the study phases in a particular program. These results offer insights to direct the design and implementation of IPE in health education curricula and especially underscore the need to provide IPE throughout the curriculum.

The Development and Evaluation of a Pediatric Interprofessional Education (IPE) Experience for Occupational and Physical Therapy Graduate Students

Interprofessional competence is needed to improve health care outcomes. The aim of this paper is to describe the development of theoretically grounded interprofessional education (IPE) experiences to advance interprofessional competencies for occupational and physical therapy doctoral students. In addition, a pretest/postest survey was designed to determine the participants' perceptions of knowledge attainment, roles, and attitudes. Two cohorts of students (N = 115) completed surveys pre and post IPE experiences. Statistically significant changes were found on perception of roles and knowledge attainment. Additional studies are needed to determine if IPE leads to behavioral changes in practice and improves patient outcomes.

Interprofessional education during international electives: Perceptions of health professions students from selected institutions in Africa

Although international electives provide important opportunities for the development of interprofessional education and collaboration practice skills, there is limited literature that describes students' perceptions in various training institutions in Africa. This study aimed to address this gap by establishing the student's perceptions of interprofessional education during international electives from four African health professional training universities. This was a cross-sectional quantitative study. Data were collected online using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale from 135 student participants. Linear regression and multilinear regression were used to establish relationships between socio-demographic characteristics and the student's perception of interprofessional education during international electives. There was a high overall positive perception (76 SD± 8.1) among the student participants of interprofessional education during international electives. Almost all the students (88.9% n = 120) thought interprofessional education during international electives would help them become better team workers during future practice and enhance their communication skills. There were high mean scores regarding positive perceptions of teamwork and collaboration (39.5 SD± 4.9), positive professional identity 17.6 (SD± 2.6), and understanding roles and responsibilities (7.4 SD± 2.0). There is a generally positive perception of interprofessional education during international electives among health professions students from various African university institutions.

Readiness for interprofessional learning among health science students: a cross-sectional Q-methodology and likert-based study

BACKGROUND

Interprofessional education (IPE) prepares healthcare students for collaboration in clinical practice, but the effectiveness of this teaching method depends on students' readiness for and perceptions of IPE. Evaluating students' readiness for and perceptions of IPE is challenging, due to the lack of comprehensive measures. This study characterized the level of IPE readiness and perspectives across first-year undergraduate and graduate health science students using the readiness for interprofessional learning Likert Scale (RIPLS) and Q-methodologies.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional, online study. Students were randomized to answer the Likert-scale version of RIPLS (80%) or a matched Q-methodology survey (20%). An ANCOVA compared RIPLS scores between students from different program levels (graduate/undergraduate) and specialization (health professional and general programs). The Q-data was analysed using a by-person factor analysis.

RESULTS

Three hundred and four (33% response rate) and 71 (30% response rate) students completed the Likert scale and the Q-methodology surveys, respectively. Students from graduate programs demonstrated high readiness for IPE (higher total RIPLS scores p < 0.001) in comparison to undergraduates. Three factors, associated with program specialization (p = 0.04), emerged from the Q-methodology analysis characterizing students learning priorities. Students in undergraduate general programs were focused on IPE relevance and benefits to "the clinical team", students in graduate programs focused on "the patient", and those in undergraduate health professional programs focused on themselves ("me").

CONCLUSIONS

This novel mixed-methods approach combining traditional Likert-scales with Q-methodology elucidated not only associations between program and specialization with readiness (Likert) but also which components of IPE were valued the most (Q-methodology) and by whom.

Nursing students' interprofessional socialisation and readiness for interprofessional learning: A cross-sectional research study

BACKGROUND

Interprofessional education programs in university settings have facilitated the development of student attributes needed to become a team-player, understand roles and responsibilities of other health disciplines, and acquire knowledge to deliver patient-centred care. Although the benefits of interprofessional education are widely acknowledged, there is limited research on interprofessional socialisation within university contexts.

OBJECTIVES

To examine readiness of undergraduate nursing students for interprofessional learning and interprofessional socialisation.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional design was used to examine the correlation between interprofessional learning and socialisation, and group differences between mode of study, year level, and prior healthcare experience.

SETTING

A large Australian regional university, across two campuses.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 103 undergraduate nursing students across year levels, including 58 enrolled on-campus, and 45 studying externally.

METHOD

Students completed an online survey using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale and the Interprofessional Socialisation and Valuing Scale. Data analyses included independent t-tests, and a one-way between subjects ANOVA.

RESULTS

No significant differences in student readiness for interprofessional learning or interprofessional socialisation were found between on-campus and external modes of study and between healthcare experience and no prior healthcare experience. Participants with previous healthcare experience had significantly higher scores for interprofessional socialisation than those with no previous healthcare experience.

CONCLUSIONS

Readiness for interprofessional learning and interprofessional socialisation and were not impacted by the students' mode of study; however, previous experience in the healthcare industry and duration of study significantly improved interprofessional socialisation skills. As nursing students advance through their study, they may experience interprofessional education opportunities that influence their perceived socialisation skills.

Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Among Students of Four Undergraduate Health Professions Education Programs

BACKGROUND

In interprofessional learning, students from different professions learn about, from, and with each other so that they can collaborate effectively, deliver high-quality healthcare, and achieve positive health outcomes. This study aimed to explore the readiness of students from four health professions education programs for interprofessional learning.

METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on 339 students. The Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics were used. Paired-samples t-test and ANOVA test were used to compare the responses of participants. Correlations between dependent and independent variables were explored by Pearson's correlation test. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The reliability study of the collected data showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's ɑ = 0.819). Results revealed a statistically significant difference between the responses of students from the four programs regarding the "Roles and Responsibilities" subscale (p = 0.000). A statistically significant difference between male and female students regarding two statements within the "Teamwork and Collaboration" subscale and one statement within the "Negative Professional Identity" subscale (p < 0.05) was also detected. The correlation study showed a weak but statistically significant correlation between RIPLS mean scores and the students' study program (p < 0.015).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the students showed readiness for IPL as evidenced by their positive perception of the interprofessional learning concepts.

Interprofessional learning in a student-run dental clinic: The effect on attitudes of students in oral healthcare

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into change in attitudes held by students in oral healthcare about interprofessional learning and collaboration after one year of work in a student-run dental clinic (SRDC). Third- and fourth-year bachelor of dental hygiene students (n = 221) and first- and second-year master of dentistry students (n = 203) participated in baseline and follow-up measurements and completed 570 questionnaires. The Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) was used to measure changes in attitudes toward Interprofessional Education (IPE) during participation in the SRDC. To validate the questionnaire for the setting, professional groups, and wording of RIPLS, we performed exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Two modified subscales remained: "Teamwork & Collaboration" and "Negative Professional Identity." Mixed linear models were used to assess relationships between students' attitudes toward IPE and participation in the SRDC. Overall, the students had positive attitudes toward IPE. At baseline, the attitudes of the dental hygiene and dentistry students were almost equally positive. After one year, dental hygiene students demonstrated a significantly more positive attitude toward collaborative learning and teamwork than the dentistry students. Further research should investigate whether the positive attitudes impact behavior in professional practice.

Impact of an International Service Trip on Pharmacy and Medical Learners' Attitudes Toward Interprofessional Collaboration

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an interprofessional medical service trip to rural Honduras on pharmacy and medical learners' attitudes toward interprofessional learning.Methods. In this mixed-methods research, 19 participating students and residents from medicine and pharmacy completed the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) before and after the service trip in fall 2017 and spring 2018. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants following each trip to better understand which aspects of the experience shaped their interprofessional learning.Results. Following the service trip, a significant improvement was found for the Teamwork & Collaboration subscale and the Negative Professional Identity subscale of the RIPLS. Several themes emerged from interviews, including that face-to-face interaction promotes collaboration; limited resources encourage team-based problem-solving; time together outside of work strengthens interprofessional connections; participating in another profession's patient care activities fosters appreciation of individual roles; interprofessional care takes time; and participants felt a greater desire to pursue interprofessional practice in the future.Conclusion. Interprofessional learning during a medical service trip improved participants' attitudes toward collaboration. This study highlights which aspects of this experience contributed most to interprofessional learning, and our results may guide future efforts to design effective interprofessional education experiences.

Knowledge and Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Among Pharmacy and Clinical Nutrition Students at King Saud University

Background

Interprofessional education (IPE) in healthcare specialties is important to optimize patient outcomes and shape professional image toward teamwork and collaboration among healthcare professionals. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of IPE on pharmacy and clinical nutrition students’ knowledge in food–drug interactions and readiness for interprofessional learning.

Methods

This pre-post study was conducted at King Saud University between February and March 2020. We held an interprofessional workshop for pharmacy and clinical nutrition students. After we introduced the faculty members who would deliver the food–drug interactions session, the students took a seven-question quiz (total score = 7) to assess their knowledge about the basic concept of food–drug interactions before the session. After that, a 45-minute lecture was provided by a clinical pharmacy faculty member. Students from both disciplines worked on three clinical scenarios. After completing the assigned scenarios, the students retook the quiz to assess their knowledge after the workshop. In addition, student readiness was assessed using the 19-item Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS).

Results

A total of 48 students were included in this study. Overall, students’ mean scores in both colleges significantly increased after the workshop (p < 0.01). The mean RIPLS total scores (SD) for pharmacy students and clinical nutrition students were 80.6 (7.48) and 81.26 (6.96), respectively, out of a maximum possible score of 95. These scores indicated positive attitudes toward interprofessional learning in both groups.

Conclusion

Pharmacy and clinical nutrition students’ knowledge regarding food–drug interaction improved after implementing the IPE session. Students also reported higher scores for interprofessional learning. This indicates their willingness to participate in future interprofessional learning activities. Roles and responsibilities domain scores were slightly lower among both groups. Simulation-based activities including profession role exchange can be added to traditional IPE sessions to improve this domain.

Italian Translation and Validation of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) in an Undergraduate Healthcare Student Context

Interprofessional education requires that two or more professionals learn from and with each other to allow effective collaboration and improve health outcomes. Thus far, the interprofessional collaboration of healthcare students might be assessed using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS), which is currently not available in its Italian version. This study aimed to provide the intercultural adaptation of the RIPLS in Italian (I-RIPLS) and assess its validity and reliability. A two-phase validation study was performed in 2020, using a single-centre approach in students enrolled in the medical degree, physiotherapy, nursing, and dentistry courses at an Italian-speaking university in Albania. The first phase of the study determined the cross-cultural adaptation of the items by involving two translators who followed a forward and backward translation process. In the second phase, a sample of 414 students was enrolled. The preliminary corrected item-total correlations showed that five items did not show significant item-to-total correlations. Even if their deletion was not mandatory for generating a suitable correlation matrix for factor analysis, the advantages of keeping only items contributing to a more stable measurement with a shorter scale represented the rationale for removing items with non-significant item-to-total correlation from the correlation matrix before testing the dimensionality of the I-RIPLS with factor analysis. The answers from the first 50% of responders (n = 207) were used to determine the most plausible dimensionality of the I-RIPLS by employing an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and the second 50% were used to cross-validate the most plausible dimensionality derived from EFA by employing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models. The most plausible dimensionality from EFA, by acknowledging the interpretation of the scree plot, the eigenvalues greater than 1, a parallel analysis, and the previous theoretical dimensions of the tool had two factors with adequate internal consistency. The CFA confirmed the two-factor solutions and the internal consistency for each domain. The I-RIPLS has 14 items with adequate evidence of validity and reliability. Future research should revise the tool for pursuing cross-cultural multigroup measurement invariance.

Using Q-methodology to determine students' perceptions of interprofessional anatomy education

Interprofessional education (IPE) prepares healthcare students for collaboration in their future careers. The purpose of this study was to determine which aspects of the IPE Program in Anatomy at McMaster University contributed to the development of healthcare student's interprofessional skills. Q-methodology was used to identify the students' common viewpoints of the IPE experience. A total of 26/28 (93%) of students in the course from the medical, nursing, midwifery, physician assistant, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy programs participated in this study. Students were asked to sort a Q-sample of 43 statements about the IPE dissection course derived from previous qualitative studies of the program. Using the centroid factor extraction and varimax rotation, three salient factors (groups) emerged, namely: (1) Anatomy IPE Enthusiasts, (2) Practical IPE Advocates, and (3) Skeptical IPE Anatomists. The Anatomy IPE Enthusiasts believed that students from different disciplines brought unique anatomical knowledge and each group member guided others through difficult material. The Practical IPE Advocates expressed that they would be stronger advocates for interprofessional teams in the future because of the course. The Skeptical IPE Anatomists strongly disagreed that learning with students from different disciplines helped them gain an understanding of their roles in the context of other healthcare professionals and felt that there was little benefit from the IPE program compared to other non-interprofessional programs. These findings about student attitudes are critical to drive an evidence-based evolution of the IPE dissection course, since students' perceptions can have a profound influence on interprofessional collaboration in the workplace.

Does Interprofessional Scenario-Based Simulation Training Change Attitudes Towards Interprofessional Learning - A Pretest-Posttest Study

Purpose

To investigate readiness for interprofessional learning (IPL) among Norwegian health-care students at bachelor-, postgraduate- and master’s level, before and after participating in a one-day scenario-based simulation-training course.

Participants and Methods

A pretest-posttest study using readiness for interprofessional learning scale (RIPLS) was conducted with bachelor nursing students (n = 123, 4th semester), postgraduate nursing students from anesthesia, operating theatre and intensive care (n = 61, 1st semester) and medical students (n = 78, 10th semester).

Results

Bachelor nursing students and postgraduate nursing students scored significantly higher in the posttest on all four subscales and on the total scale. Between professions, medical students scored significantly higher on subscale 1 (teamwork and collaboration) and subscale 3 (positive professional identity) and significantly lower on subscale 4 (roles and responsibilities) in the pretest. In the posttest bachelor nursing students scored significantly higher on subscale 2 (negative professional identity) and medical students scored significantly lower on subscale 4. The internal consistency for RIPLS was acceptable, except for subscale 4.

Conclusion

The study indicates readiness for IPL in our sample of Norwegian health-care students. RIPLS had the ability to measure significant changes in attitudes both within each profession and between professions.

Effectiveness of a case-based digital learning interprofessional workshop involving undergraduates in medical technology, radiological science, and physical therapy: A pre–post intervention study

All healthcare professionals must understand information on a patient’s biophysical functions, and it is important to educate professionals on how to use this information in an interprofessional team for diagnosis. However, there is little interprofessional education for students of medical technology and radiological science involved in biophysical function diagnosis. In the present study, we developed a case-based interprofessional learning tool for using biophysical information for diagnosis. The study examined the effects of a collaborative exercise workshop for healthcare professional students using the tool. Participants were 234 students from three healthcare professions (medical technology, radiological science, and physical therapy). They completed the Japanese version of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale before and after the workshops. The workshops incorporated digital materials that allowed students to examine the test results of a virtual patient, answer questions, and discuss their diagnoses and prognoses. For analysis, a two-way analysis of variance was performed on the total score on the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale of the three departments, and the effectiveness of the workshop for the three departments was compared. Statistical analyses showed no interaction between time and department (p = 0.283). After the workshop, students from all three departments showed significant improvements in total scores on the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (p < 0.01) with medium to large effect sizes (r = 0.33–0.52). In the comparison between departments, there was a significant difference in the awareness levels of only medical technology and radiological science students before the workshop (p = 0.015). This study conducted case-based learning workshops with students from three departments, in which a patient’s biophysical information was conveyed between occupational practices. The workshops improved the awareness of interprofessional education in students from all departments and revealed that interprofessional education is important for healthcare professions involved in biophysical function diagnosis.

The effect of continuing interprofessional education on improving learners' self-efficacy and attitude toward interprofessional learning and collaboration

We aimed to assess the effect of continuing interprofessional education on collaborative self-efficacy, attitude toward the team, and interprofessional learning in workplace-based learning situations. This was a quasi-experimental study conducted in two educational hospitals. Two hundred and ten participants including nursing and medicine from general medicine, internal medicine, and emergency medicine, entered the study and were categorized in the census's intervention group (n = 97) and control group (n = 113). Continuing interprofessional education interventions included interprofessional rounds and workshops. Attitudes toward the team and interprofessional learning and collaborative self-efficacy were assessed using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning, Attitudes Toward Health Care Teams, and Interprofessional Collaborator Assessment. Participants' attitude toward the team (p-value <.001), attitude toward interprofessional learning (p-value <.001), and interprofessional collaborative self-efficacy (p-value <.001) were significantly improved compared to participants' scores in the control group. Integrating the principles of continuing education, interprofessional education, and workplace-based learning provided an effective learning situation through interactive relationships and active collaboration of participants. The findings revealed a significant educational effect of the intervention on attitude toward interprofessional learning and the team, and a small effect on self-efficacy of interprofessional collaboration.

Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Among First Year Medical and Dental Students in Nepal

Introduction

Health professional education curricula in Nepal do not include interprofessional education (IPE). Though a previous study conducted in Nepal identified positive attitudes among medical and nursing students, so far there are no studies assessing the health professional students' readiness toward IPE. The aim of the study was to assess the readiness for IPE among medical and dental students.

Methods

The present cross-sectional study explored the readiness of conveniently selected first-year medical and dental students towards IPE and compared readiness among subgroups of respondents. The readiness was assessed through an online survey using the standard Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) during June 2021. The nineteen questions in RIPLS were categorized under four domains: teamwork and collaboration (items 1-9), negative professional identity (items 10-12), positive professional identity (items 13-16), and roles and responsibilities (items 17-19). The individual statements were scored and assessed as per the study objectives. The scores were not normally distributed, so non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal Wallis test) were used.

Results

A total of 83 students (69 medical and 14 dental) students responded. The median total score was 75, IQR 6 with the maximum score being 95. The median (IQR) scores for the domains teamwork and collaboration were 38 (IQR 3), negative professional identity 11 (IQR 2), positive professional identity 16 (IQR 3), roles and responsibilities 10 (3). The scores were different between students aged 20 years and below = 37, and above 20 years = 38; (p =< 0.001) in the negative professional identity domain and the total score (p = 0.001). The scores were also different among those with and without previous learning exposure with other discipline students in the same class (p = 0.046). A high median score of 5 was achieved for 8 out of 19 statements in the questionnaire.

Conclusion

The findings showed a high level of readiness for IPE among student respondents. Study findings can be considered as a positive factor for implementing IPE sessions.

Perception and readiness for inter-professional education of health discipline students: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Interprofessional education (IPE) is a concept focusing on the improvement of a good teamwork environment bringing professionals from diffferent professions together to obtain high-quality health care and improve health outcomes. Determining health discipline students' IPE perceptions and readiness is important to develop, implement and maintain effective IPE programs.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to determine perception and readiness for interprofessional education of health discipline students.

DESIGN

This study utilized a descriptive and cross-sectional design.

SETTINGS

A public university in Turkey. The study was conducted with students enrolled in Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical Faculty, Faculty of Dentistry, or Vocational School of Health Services.

PARTICIPANTS

The participants included 646 health discipline students who were enrolled in nursing, midwifery, medical, dentistry, medical imaging technology, first and emergency aid, and elderly care departments.

METHODS

Data were collected through the "Data Collection Form", the "Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS-TR)" and the "Readiness for Inter-professional Learning Scale (RIPLS)".

RESULTS

The participants' IEPS-TR and RIPLS total mean scores were found 65.81 ± 19.86 and 67.90 ± 13.53, respectively. The IEPS-TR and RIPLS mean scores and the variables such as choosing the department willingly and being satisfied with the department indicated a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05). In addition, RIPLS mean scores and the variables such as age, and willingness to take classes with other healthcare students indicated a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant correlation was found between the IEPS-TR and RIPLS total mean scores and department-related variables (p > 0.05). The participants' IEPS-TR and RIPLS mean scores demonstrated a positive and significant relationship (r = 0.314, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that health discipline students had a high level of perception of interdisciplinary education and were ready for interprofessional education. The study also demonstrated that students' perception of interdisciplinary education increased with the increase in their readiness for this education.

Perceptions of chiropractic students regarding interprofessional health care teams

OBJECTIVE

To describe perceptions of knowledge of interprofessional teams and value of interprofessional education (IPE) among 3 distinct years of chiropractic students at 1 chiropractic college.

METHODS

A 24-item cross-sectional survey was administered to 247 chiropractic students in years 1-3 within a single institution. Surveys included 5 demographic questions and the 19-item Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS). The RIPLS collected information on perceptions and value of interprofessional health care in a health care training program. Each question is scored on a 1-5 scale, with 5 indicating a stronger agreement. Multivariable analysis was used for comparison.

RESULTS

Out of a total 321 eligible students, 247 (148 male) students completed the survey from year 1 (n = 66), year 2 (n = 102), and year 3 (n = 79), respectively. Most students (68%) were 18-25 years old. The mean compiled score of all 3 years (n = 231) was 77.2 (SD = 9.1). Each individual's year scores were as follows: year 1 (n = 60, mean = 79.7, SD=7.4), year 2 (n = 95, mean = 76.9, SD = 9.1), and year 3 (n = 76, mean = 75.4, SD = 9.9). Of the 247 students who responded, 87% of participantsagreed with "shared learning with other health care students will increase my ability to understand clinical problems."

CONCLUSION

Most participants demonstrated a positive response to IPE and collaborating with health care teams. Participants in earlier years demonstrated a more positive response compared to later years. While positive perceptions to IPE were demonstrated, chiropractic students lacked knowledge and understanding of their role within an interprofessional health care team.

Educating Mental Health Nurse Practitioners on Interprofessional Collaboration and Preparing Them for Collaborative Practice

Background

Although interprofessional collaboration (IPC) has been discussed for over 40 years, in nursing education as well as the majority of health professionals, education continues to primarily take place in silos with curricula that is discipline specific. Educators need to implement models of education that are linked to collaborative practice and team-based care.

Objectives

To introduce the principles from the Core Competencies for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioners Faculties Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies into the coursework. To demonstrate an application process for incorporating collaboration in their future nurse practitioner roles.

Method

Students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice mental health nurse practitioner program participated in a set of assignments to develop essential knowledge and skills for integration of IPC into practice. A pretest–posttest design was used to evaluate student attitudes towards IPC following immersion in IPC subject matter and experiential learning with other healthcare providers working together to coordinate patient care.

Results

There were significant findings for six of the 18 survey questions. This project can serve as an example for successful implementation of IPE in the nursing curricula.

A Focus on Methodology: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Conduct a Comprehensive Evaluation of the Need for One Health Education for Medical and Veterinary Students in the Context of COVID-19

BACKGROUND

The collaboration of health professionals across the interface of human, animal and environmental health, as embodied by the One Health concept (OH), is increasingly recognised as crucial for tackling diseases such as Ebola and COVID-19. This study was conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but in light of the current pandemic, the outcomes of this study highlight the need for educating Medical (MD) and Veterinary (DVM) students on the principles of OH. The purpose of this study was to determine the need for Interprofessional Education (IPE) initiatives that would familiarise MD and DVM students with the principles of OH, crucial to dissolving the siloes that have historically deterred collaboration.

METHOD

We used a sequential explanatory Methods Research (MMR) approach design to evaluate the readiness of 428 students consisting of MD, DVM and dual degree Master of Public Health (MPH) students (MD/MPH, DVM/MPH) for IPE, as well as to obtain faculty perspectives across these disciplines, on the need for curricula inclusion of IPE and OH. Two methods of data collection were employed: A survey and 2 focus groups interviews.

RESULTS

The use of an MMR approach allowed us to comprehensively evaluate the need for OH education through the lenses of the students and faculty using a joint display that facilitated data integration and evaluation. Overall, the dual degree students had the greatest readiness for IPE, and MD students the lowest level of readiness for shared learning. The dual degree students had the most accurate understanding of OH competencies that consider the impacts of climate change, food security, antimicrobial resistance, health policy formation and zoonoses occurrence on human health. Themes derived from the focus group interviews revealed that faculty perceived OH education as crucial for preparing MD and DVM students for practice.

CONCLUSION

The comprehensive assessment of the student and faculty perspectives, obtained using an MMR approach, illustrated that the incorporation of OH competencies within the MD and DVM curricula are crucial for preparing students for practice in the global environment. The dual degree pathway provides insight into how OH can be successfully incorporated within the curricula of these programmes.

Twelve tips for postgraduate interprofessional case-based learning

Based on developing, implementing, and evaluating postgraduate interprofessional case-based learning, we have written these twelve tips for health education planners who wish to apply case-based learning in the clinical setting. Interprofessional case-based learning engages participants in a structured manner towards uncovering decisions processes and patterns of action that resemble the clinical reality in which various healthcare professionals handle multifaceted tasks related to the optimal patient treatment. Postgraduate interprofessional case-based learning has the potential to break down traditional hierarchical structures as interactions generate respectful behaviour. We present two models of case-based learning to assist in standardising, structuring, and systematising postgraduate interprofessional case-based learning. We have created 12 practical tips for the design, implementation, and evaluation of successful postgraduate interprofessional case-based learning integrated into the existing clinical setting.

Team Training for Interprofessional Insight, Networking and Guidance (T2IPING) points: a study protocol

Effective teamwork remains a crucial component in providing high-quality care to patients in today’s complex healthcare environment. A prevalent ‘us’ versus ‘them’ mentality among professions, however, impedes reliable team function in the clinical setting. More importantly, its corrosive influence extends to health professional students who model the ineffective behaviour as they learn from practicing clinicians. Simulation-based training (SBT) of health professional students in team-based competencies recognized to improve performance could potentially mitigate such negative influences. This quasi-experimental prospective study will evaluate the effectiveness and impact of incorporating a multi-year, health science centre-wide SBT curriculum for interprofessional student teams. It targets health professional students from the Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health at Louisiana State University (LSU) Health New Orleans.

The intervention will teach interprofessional student teams key team-based competencies for highly reliable team behaviour using SBT. The study will use the Kirkpatrick framework to evaluate training effectiveness. Primary outcomes will focus on the impact of the training on immediate improvements in team-based skills and attitudes (Level 2). Secondary outcomes include students’ perception of the SBT (Level 1), its immediate impact on attitudes towards interprofessional education (Level 2) and its impact on team-based attitudes over time (Level 3).

The Institutional Review Board at LSU Health New Orleans approved this research as part of an exempt protocol with a waiver of documentation of informed consent due to its educational nature. The research description for participants provides information on the nature of the project, privacy, dissemination of results and opting out of the research.

Team Training for Interprofessional Insight, Networking and Guidance (T2IPING) points: a study protocol

Effective teamwork remains a crucial component in providing high-quality care to patients in today’s complex healthcare environment. A prevalent ‘us’ versus ‘them’ mentality among professions, however, impedes reliable team function in the clinical setting. More importantly, its corrosive influence extends to health professional students who model the ineffective behaviour as they learn from practicing clinicians. Simulation-based training (SBT) of health professional students in team-based competencies recognized to improve performance could potentially mitigate such negative influences. This quasi-experimental prospective study will evaluate the effectiveness and impact of incorporating a multi-year, health science centre-wide SBT curriculum for interprofessional student teams. It targets health professional students from the Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health at Louisiana State University (LSU) Health New Orleans.

The intervention will teach interprofessional student teams key team-based competencies for highly reliable team behaviour using SBT. The study will use the Kirkpatrick framework to evaluate training effectiveness. Primary outcomes will focus on the impact of the training on immediate improvements in team-based skills and attitudes (Level 2). Secondary outcomes include students’ perception of the SBT (Level 1), its immediate impact on attitudes towards interprofessional education (Level 2) and its impact on team-based attitudes over time (Level 3).

The Institutional Review Board at LSU Health New Orleans approved this research as part of an exempt protocol with a waiver of documentation of informed consent due to its educational nature. The research description for participants provides information on the nature of the project, privacy, dissemination of results and opting out of the research.

Psychometric appraisal of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) Arabic-version

Interprofessional education within healthcare has been shown to have many benefits, however, it is a relatively new educational concept within the Arabic setting. Although the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale is a commonly utilised tool to examine student attitudes, there is a lack of evidence for use of an Arabic translated version. The aim of this study was to develop and psychometrically evaluate an Arabic language version of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale with Saudi nurses. Two independent translators, proficient in both English and Arabic languages, completed a forward-backward translation of the original English version of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale. Subsequently, this Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale-Arabic version was used to collect data from undergraduate nursing students enrolled at a number of Saudi Arabian universities. Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses were then performed on the scale. Six hundred and fifty-two participants were recruited. Exploratory Factor Analysis of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale-Arabic version resulted in a 15-item, three-factor model. Subsequent analysis with Confirmatory Factor Analysis and the resultant final 13-item model demonstrated a poor fit between the hypothesized model and the data. Although our three-factor model is supported by previous studies, the proposed model did not perform well on Confirmatory Factor Analysis assessment. This suggests that there may be issues of applicability of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale-Arabic version within the current cohort. The present study of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale-Arabic version has demonstrated some psychometric inadequacies and thus it is possible that this scale may not be appropriate for use with Saudi nurses. However further research with different professional groups is suggested to fully explore its utility within the Saudi setting.

Honors students in the health professions: An academic-practice partnership for developing interprofessional competencies through simulation

Abundant literature supports the value of interprofessional education (IPE) in health profession programs, but few studies focus on undergraduate honors students. The goals of this academic-practice partnership quality improvement project were to increase awareness of IPE, provide experiential opportunities to learn the principles of interprofessional practice, assess perceptions of readiness for practice, and to explore motivations and learning expectations of undergraduate nursing and pre-medical honors students. Average scores on the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) increased in several areas after the IPE simulation experiences, with small to medium effect sizes (Cohen's d) on individual items and two subscales (Teamwork & Collaboration and Positive Professional Identity). Themes identified in the narrative data were opportunity, fun, self-awareness, situational awareness, and the value of teamwork. These findings add to literature on honor students' expectations and motivations for learning and can be used in designing interprofessional collaborative learning activities for undergraduate health profession students.

Development and evaluation of an interprofessional student-led influenza vaccination clinic for medical, nursing and pharmacy students

Background

Students in their final years of medicine, nursing and pharmacy degrees were invited to participate in an interprofessional influenza vaccination training course and clinic. Twenty-four students (8 from each discipline) were selected to participate. After vaccination training these students administered free influenza vaccines under supervision in two student-led clinics to 546 students in health and allied health programs prior to their clinical placements.

Objective

To evaluate the students' experience of the interprofessional vaccination training and clinic, and to evaluate the experiences of students who received their vaccination in the student-led clinic.

Methods

Before and after participating, students completed a questionnaire evaluating their perceived knowledge of influenza vaccinations, and their skills and confidence in administering vaccinations and the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS). Eighteen students completed both the pre- and post-questionnaires. All students who received their flu vaccination were also asked to complete a short patient evaluation survey.

Results

The course resulted in significant increases in the students' perceived knowledge of influenza vaccinations (27.5% increase, p<0.001), skills in managing patients receiving influenza vaccines (23.9% increase, p<0.001) and confidence level to administer influenza vaccines (46.0% increase, p<0.001). While there was no significant change in any subscales of the RIPLS, open-ended responses indicated that the students enjoyed and could see the benefits of meeting and learning with and from students from other health disciplines. Of the students who received their influenza vaccination, 97.7% were very likely or somewhat likely to recommend the clinic to fellow students.

Conclusion

The interprofessional vaccination training and influenza vaccination clinic provided effective interprofessional vaccination training and afforded an authentic interprofessional experiential opportunity.

Postgraduate Interprofessional Case-Based Learning in Childhood Cancer: A Feasibility Study

This paper presents a feasibility study assessing the acceptability, demand, implementation, and practicality of postgraduate interprofessional case-based learning in childhood cancer at Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet. Healthcare professionals included nurses, doctors, social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, pharmacologists, dieticians, nursing assistants, and professionals with a supportive function (teachers, secretaries, priests, and daycare workers). All participated in a postgraduate interprofessional case-based learning session. Feasibility was assessed using Bowen's focus areas of acceptability, demand, implementation, and practicality. Before and after the intervention session, three measurement tools were used 2-3 weeks before participation and 3-4 weeks after participation to collect data: Assessment of Interprofessional Team Collaboration Scale, Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale, and Safety Attitudes Questionnaire. Representing 13 occupational groups, 49 participants completed the case-based learning sessions, indicating acceptability and practicality. The pre- and post-intervention questionnaires were completed by 79% of the participants, 88% of whom rated the professional content as good or very good. A change over time was detected on all three scales measuring mean difference post-intervention scores. The outcome measures can be used to assess the effect of the intervention. Postgraduate interprofessional case-based learning in childhood cancer is feasible in terms of acceptability, demand, implementation, and practicality. Implementation requires leadership commitment at all levels.

Assessing dental student perceptions after engaging in a longitudinal interprofessional education curriculum: A preliminary study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

Baseline IPE perceptions for dental students were gathered prior to the implementation of a 2-year formalised IPE curriculum at a US institution. The goal was to establish a baseline of student perceptions and, in the future, continue to track student IPE perception data with IPE engagement as one measure of outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to analyse two dental student cohort perceptions of IPE after engaging in a 2-year longitudinal curriculum.

METHODS

First- and second-year students were required to participate in a 2-year IPE curriculum. As a requirement of the curriculum, students were asked to complete a validated IPE assessment, the Student Perceptions of Interprofessional Clinical Education-Revised instrument, version 2 (SPICE-R2). Students completed the SPICE-R2 survey, using a retrospective pretest/post-test design, after engaging in the 2-year curriculum.

RESULTS

Sixty-four students in cohort 2017 and 70 students in cohort 2018 completed the entire SPICE-R2. Statistically significant positive changes (p < .05) were found in both dental student cohorts after engagement in the 2-year longitudinal IPE curriculum.

CONCLUSION(S)

A longitudinal IPE curriculum has the potential to impact student IPE perceptions. Additional longitudinal multi-institutional research is needed to determine best practices in delivery and learning.