Health science center faculty attitudes towards interprofessional education and teamwork

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Interprofessional Education
• Teamwork in Healthcare

Background:

• Faculty attitudes significantly influence health professions education (HPE) students' learning experiences.
• Interprofessional education (IPE) and teamwork are increasingly vital components of modern healthcare training.
• Previous research indicated a need to assess current faculty attitudes towards IPE and teamwork.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the current attitudes of health professions faculty towards interprofessional education (IPE) and teamwork.
• To identify factors influencing faculty attitudes within an academic health science center (HSC).
• To provide data for strengthening existing IPE initiatives and guiding future development.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to faculty across various health professions at an academic health science center (HSC).
• Data were collected from faculty in dentistry, nursing, medicine, pharmacy, and public health.
• Statistical analysis was used to examine relationships between faculty affiliation and attitudes towards IPE and teamwork.

Main Results:

• Overall, faculty demonstrated generally positive attitudes towards interprofessional learning, education, and teamwork.
• Faculty affiliated with the nursing component were significantly more likely to hold positive attitudes.
• Attitudes were influenced by specific professional affiliations within the health science center.

Conclusions:

• Positive faculty attitudes are essential for the successful implementation of interprofessional education (IPE).
• Targeted faculty development is critical to foster understanding and improve attitudes towards IPE and teamwork.
• Understanding faculty perspectives is key to leveraging strengths and addressing weaknesses in IPE programs.