Entry-level interprofessional education: perceptions of physical and occupational therapists currently practicing in...

To gain insight into the specific interprofessional education (IPE) needs of occupational and physical therapists, an online questionnaire was developed and distributed to currently practicing therapists in the province of Ontario, Canada. The questionnaire included both open- and closed-ended questions to survey the opinions, perceptions, and experiences of therapists working both in public and private practice who possess varying levels of clinical training and years of experience. Data collection resulted in 765 responses (397 OTs, 368 PTs), which allowed for a 95% confidence level based on 2007 population totals supplied by the professional colleges. Data analysis involved descriptive data analysis in conjunction with percentage comparisons of the responses as well as the coding of responses to open-ended questions. The therapists' opinions regarding the type, amount, and need for IPE were compared based on discipline and area of practice. Overall, the data show that 97% of OTs and PTs in both public and private settings hold IPE to be important for effective clinical practice. When asked about their own IPE experiences, only 50% of OTs and 43% of PTs felt that they received an appropriate level of IPE training during their entry-level clinical training. When given the choice to select the location/time when IPE should be completed, 65% choose clinical placements, with 26% classroom. Implications of the findings as well as study limitations are discussed.