Student Perceptions of Interprofessional Education: Associations with the Major Subject, Previous Education and Work Experience

Abstract

Based on previous studies, it was hypothesized that the personal background of students, including previous qualifications and work experience, may be one factor affecting their perceptions of interprofessional education. In a cross-sectional study, the associations between students’ (N = 149) gender, major subject, previous degrees, and interprofessional work experience, perceptions of interprofessional education, and appraisal of members of their own profession in interprofessional cooperation were examined. According to the most noteworthy results, having more interprofessional work experience and a previous degree from a university of applied sciences was associated with perceiving interprofessional studies to be more useful. Moreover, having less interprofessional work experience was associated with perceiving members of one’s own profession more positively regarding interprofessional cooperation. It is suggested that also these background variables are considered when designing and implementing interprofessional education.