Interprofessional team-based learning in basic sciences: students' attitude and perception of communication and...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Interprofessional Learning
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• Team-based learning (TBL) is an instructional strategy.
• Interprofessional education (IPE) aims to foster collaboration among health professionals.
• The impact of TBL on students' perceptions in basic science IPE courses requires exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effect of a TBL strategy on students' perceptions of communication, teamwork, and attitudes toward IPE.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of TBL in an interprofessional basic science course.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was used with 33 first-semester anatomy students from occupational therapy and orthoptics.
• Students completed pre- and post-course interprofessional questionnaires.
• Qualitative data were gathered through thematic analysis of group interviews with 14 students.

Main Results:

• Quantitative analysis showed no significant changes in students' perceptions of communication, teamwork, or interprofessional learning.
• Qualitative findings indicated TBL is a valid strategy for promoting communication and teamwork.
• Students highlighted the need for course activities to integrate diverse professional knowledge to prevent negative attitudinal shifts.

Conclusions:

• TBL can foster communication and teamwork in basic science IPE.
• Mixed professional groups can aid socialization but risk negative attitudinal shifts towards IPE.
• Further research is needed to determine effective methods for interprofessional exchange in basic science education.