Student perspectives on designing and implementing an interprofessional education module in chronic disease management at primary care level in Vietnam

Abstract

PurposeThis study explored students' perspectives on designing and implementing the new clinical interprofessional education (IPE) module for chronic disease management at the primary care level in the Vietnamese context.Design/methodology/approachStudents from seven different university-level healthcare programmes participated in a cross-sectional survey Course Experience Questionnaire-based study. Additionally, two open-ended questions were presented to gather qualitative data, mapping student perspectives. Statistical analyses and thematic analyses were performed.FindingsThe results show that students agree with quality statements about IPE design features, such as good teaching, clear goals and standards, appropriate workload, appropriate assessment and a blended learning approach. Answers to the open-ended comments pointed out the strengths of the IPE module in providing opportunities for interprofessional learning, improving interprofessional collaboration competencies, real-life interprofessional collaboration practice and continuous feedback from tutors. Students also reported weaknesses in the IPE module, including a lack of feedback on the care plan and logistics of the IPE module.Originality/valueStudents positively recognise key design features of the IPE module, combining classroom activities with standardised patient simulations, clinical practice and home visits. Chronic disease management at the primary care level is a suitable context for training students to work interprofessionally. The strengths and weaknesses identified by students could help in the redesign and future implementation of the IPE module in the Vietnamese context. They could inspire practices in Southeast Asian medical education and beyond.