Impact of an interprofessional training ward on interprofessional competencies - a quantitative longitudinal study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Professions Education
• Interprofessional Collaboration

Background:

• Interprofessional training wards offer autonomous collaborative learning environments.
• These settings aim to develop interprofessional competencies in knowledge, abilities, and attitudes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the short-term and long-term effects of interprofessional training ward placements.
• To assess impacts on nursing and medical undergraduates' interprofessional competencies.

Main Methods:

• A pre-post-follow-up study design was employed.
• Participants included 60 medical and 63 nursing undergraduates.
• Validated questionnaires (UWE-IP, ISVS, AITCS) measured interprofessional competencies, teamwork, communication, and socialization.

Main Results:

• Significant positive short-term effects were observed across all measured competencies (effect sizes up to d=1.05).
• Significant positive long-term effects were found in socialization and collaboration (effect sizes up to d=0.60).

Conclusions:

• Interprofessional education in clinical settings enhances students' perceptions of socialization and teamwork.
• This approach shows potential for improving future interprofessional collaboration.
• Further strategies are needed to ensure sustainable improvements in attitudes toward interprofessional interaction.