Physical Therapist Student Outcomes of Interprofessional Education in Professional (Entry-Level) Physical Therapist Education Programs: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background and Purpose. Traditionally, the physical therapy profession has been involved with interprofessional education (IPE) and collaborative practice. However, IPE was not a requirement for professional (entry-level [EL]) physical therapist (PT) curriculum until recently when the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) incorporated IPE into the Standards and Elements for professional (EL) physical therapist education programs. Therefore, this systematic review is aimed at synthesizing the available evidence regarding physical therapist student outcomes associated with various IPE instructional methods embedded in professional (EL) physical therapist education programs globally. The evidence gathered may help guide educators when developing and implementing IPE curricula into professional (EL) physical therapist programs. Methods. This systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for searching and reporting processes. Individual searches were developed for PubMed, ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health, and CINAHL. The EBSCOhost databases, ERIC, Education Full Text, and Education Research Complete, were searched simultaneously using a similar comprehensive search strategy that included search terms related to 1) education, 2) interprofessional, and 3) physical therapy. Results. Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Outcomes were measured by 6 different outcome measures (OMs) and achieved by a variety of teaching and learning methods. Multiple studies demonstrated an improvement in attitudes toward perception of and perceived need for collaboration among health care professionals of PTs, as well as improved competency, and autonomy after participation in IPE. Physical therapists valued shared leadership and participation, as well as displaying a readiness to learn with other disciplines. Some studies reported negative outcomes related to the ability of shared learning to increase understanding of clinical problems and improve interprofessional communication and teamwork. Conclusion. Both positive and unintended negative outcomes may result from IPE. The OMs reported in this review measure components of teamwork, roles and responsibilities, communication, learning/reflection, patient focus, and ethics/attitudes. Using more than 1 OM seems to measure the outcomes of IPE more effectively. In summary, current evidence suggests an overall positive impact of IPE on PTs' competency and autonomy, teamwork, collaboration, communication, and readiness to learn achieved by a variety of instructional methods.