A training program designed to improve interprofessional knowledge, skills and attitudes in chronic disease settings

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Education
• Interprofessional Collaboration
• Rheumatology Training

Background:

• The Arthritis Program (TAP) at Southlake Regional Health Centre has utilized a successful interprofessional model for over 25 years.
• Recognizing the need to disseminate its model, TAP developed the Interprofessional Training Program (TAP-ITP).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate participant perceptions of the effectiveness and satisfaction with the pilot TAP-ITP.
• To assess the impact of TAP-ITP on interprofessional collaboration competencies and attitudes toward healthcare teams.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 22 participants using a longitudinal survey design.
• Data collected at baseline (T1), post-program (T2), and one-year follow-up (T3) using validated instruments.
• Statistical analysis included descriptive, non-parametric (Wilcoxon rank sum tests), and parametric (paired t-tests) analyses.

Main Results:

• Participants reported high satisfaction with the TAP-ITP.
• Statistically significant improvements in Interprofessional Collaborative Competencies Attainment Survey (ICCAS) scores from T1 to T2 (p < 0.05).
• Significant improvements in Bruyère Clinical Team Self Assessment Scale and Attitudes Toward Health Care Teams (ATHCT) scores were maintained at T3.

Conclusions:

• The TAP-ITP pilot study suggests the program effectively enhances self-assessed knowledge, skills, and attitudes in interprofessional care.
• The observed improvements were sustained at the one-year follow-up, indicating long-term benefits.