Innovations in interprofessional learning and teaching: providing opportunities to embed patient safety within the pre-registration physiotherapy curriculum. A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Despite recognition of the need to embed patient safety within undergraduate healthcare education, there are limited examples of how this has been achieved within physiotherapy. The purpose of this regional initiative was to develop a course and teaching resources to support Higher Education Institutions in the United Kingdom (UK) when embedding the World Health Organization (WHO) multiprofessional patient safety curriculum into undergraduate healthcare education.Objectives: In this pilot study, researchers assessed the impact of the interprofessional simulation-based education (IPSE) course on students’ perceptions of interprofessional learning and patient safety post-course, and explored the participants’ perceived application of knowledge and skills 3 months later.Methods: A sequential mixed-methods evaluation was conducted, including pre- and post-course Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) questionnaires and two course evaluation questionnaires featuring open and closed items (administered immediately post-course and 3 months later). Participants included undergraduate physiotherapy, medical, nursing, and pharmacy students.Results: The IPSE course enabled students to develop an appreciation of each other’s professional roles and particularly their individual and collaborative practices that may positively impact upon patient safety. Post-course students reported being able to influence patient safety through an increased application of their ability to identify errors and influence their colleagues’ practices, thus impacting directly upon patient safety.Conclusion: This paper provides an evaluation of an innovative method of providing interprofessional patient safety learning and teaching opportunities within undergraduate healthcare curricula.