Radiography students achieving competencies through structured interprofessional education

Abstract

IntroductionInterprofessional education (IPE) takes place when representatives of at least two professions work and learn together, about and from each other to provide optimal healthcare. For the successful implementation of an IPE programme, conceptualisation, planning, and operationalisation and coordination among the various professions is crucial, to assist students to obtain the desired competencies of such a programme. The purpose is to investigate if a structured IPE programme assisted radiography students to achieve competencies. MethodsAn online questionnaire was compiled from literature and completed by radiography students who participated in a structured, three-week-long IPE programme. The questionnaire was mainly quantitative (using a Likert scale), though it also consisted of qualitative elements (open-ended questions). A Fischer’s Exact test was used to compare the responses of three different year groups. ResultsFeedback from the radiography students (n=63) indicated that they achieved this IPE programme’s specific competencies: role clarification, interprofessional communication, teamwork, person-centered care and values and ethics. There was good correlation between the feedback from all three year groups. The feedback on the open-ended questions correlated with the quantitative feedback, though some students felt excluded, as there was little reference to their particular profession in the simulation session of the IPE programme. ConclusionThe results of the study indicate that radiography students achieved the prescribed competencies of a structured IPE programme. The results provide insight into ways to improve the IPE programme. A recommendation emanating from the results of this study is that, to improve the experience of all healthcare professions students, structured IPE programmes have to promote inclusive teaching and learning. Implications for practiceRadiography students that participate in a structured IPE programme develop competencies necessary for effective collaborative clinical practice.