Student perceptions about interprofessional education after an elective course

• Published in: Journal of interprofessional care Vol. 29; no. 4; pp. 370 - 371
• Main Authors: Gunaldo, Tina Patel, Andrieu, Sandra Carlin, Garbee, Deborah, Giovingo, Lauren K, Mercante, Donald E, Tortu, Stephanie, English, Robin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 2015
• Subjects: Attitude of Health Personnel; Cooperative Behavior; Health Personnel - education; Humans; Interprofessional Relations; Perception; Problem-Based Learning; Students, Health Occupations - psychology; interprofessional education; Academic medical centers; student perceptions; readiness for interprofessional learning scaleroles and responsibilities
• ISSN: 1356-1820; 1469-9567
• DOI: 10.3109/13561820.2014.969836

A growing body of evidence indicates interprofessional collaborative practice improves patient care. With this in mind, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center formally committed to expanding interprofessional education (IPE) initiatives. Thirty-eight self-selected students enrolled in an IPE elective course during the fall of 2012. Students completed the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) pre- and post-course and also completed a post-course survey. Results indicated a significant change in the roles and responsibilities scale of the RIPLS. Analysis of the data from the post-course survey demonstrated students were able to identify key terms of an IPE definition, as related to their learning experience. In addition, themes of communication, learning/increased knowledge, and collaboration/contribution of other health care professionals were noted across all questions in the post-course survey. Based on the results of this study, an elective course is a promising educational opportunity to increase awareness and knowledge of IPE within academic medical centers.