Abstract
purpose The purpose of this research was to explore the effectiveness of a student-led interprofessional education (IPE) workshop in improving student attitudes and perceptions toward IPE. Students from four health science programs—Dental Hygiene, Communication Sciences and Disorders/Speech and Hearing, Health Services Administration, and Occupational Therapy—participated in a community service event. Students provided screenings to veteran patients, including a health history intake, hearing test, and sleep screening, while other students observed. Methods Students were asked to attend an orientation, a Vets Day IPE workshop, and a debrief session. This mixed-methods approach study utilized the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) to assess students’ attitudes and perceptions toward IPE. The RIPLS (Likert scale) was used as a pre- and posttest to assess changes in students’ scores. The pretest was administered prior to the IPE workshop, and the posttest was administered following the workshop. Qualitative data was derived from a debrief session where students answered guided questions regarding their experience through group discussion. Results Results indicated a statistically significant difference (p<.05) in participants’ attitudes and perceptions toward IPE using the RIPLS. Statistical significance was found within each RIPLS subscale, where participants showed a positive change in their readiness for interprofessional learning. Qualitative data revealed positive feedback about the workshop and enhanced knowledge about different professions. Conclusion The results of this study show that a student-led approach to IPE through a community service project is beneficial in improving student attitudes and perceptions of IPE.
Highlights
The World Health Organization (WHO) states, “Interprofessional education occurs when students from two or more professions learn about, from and with each other to enable effective collaboration and improve health outcomes” (WHO 2010, p. 7)
The results of this study show that a student-led approach to interprofessional education (IPE) through a community service project is beneficial in improving student attitudes and perceptions of IPE
Qualitative data was derived from the 30-minute debrief session the Tuesday following the Vets Day IPE Workshop, where participants (N=26) answered nine
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) states, “Interprofessional education occurs when students from two or more professions learn about, from and with each other to enable effective collaboration and improve health outcomes” (WHO 2010, p. 7). In the rapidly changing landscape of healthcare, it is essential that tomorrow’s health professionals be prepared to communicate, collaborate, and use evidencebased practice in an interprofessional manner, with the goal of improving patient outcomes (Institute of Medicine [IOM], 2001). IPE has the potential to create common learning opportunities for healthcare professionals in various fields, resolving misperceptions, miscommunication, and perceived hierarchy (Olenick, Allen, & Smego, 2010). Elimination of these issues may address the current separation between healthcare professionals and the resulting problems with healthcare delivery (Olenick et al, 2010)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
