Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Among Students of Four Undergraduate Health Professions Education Programs

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Interprofessional Collaboration

Background:

• Interprofessional learning (IPL) involves students from diverse health professions learning together to enhance collaboration and healthcare outcomes.
• This study investigated the readiness of students from four distinct health professions education programs for IPL.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the readiness of health professions students for interprofessional learning.
• To assess students' perceptions of interprofessional learning concepts.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional descriptive study surveyed 339 students using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS).
• Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired-samples t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Main Results:

• Reliability analysis showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's ɑ = 0.819).
• Significant differences were found in perceptions of
• Roles and Responsibilities
• between programs (p = 0.000).
• Gender differences emerged in
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• and
• Negative Professional Identity
• subscales (p < 0.05).
• A weak but significant correlation existed between RIPLS scores and study program (p < 0.015).

Conclusions:

• Students exhibited readiness for interprofessional learning.
• Positive perceptions of IPL concepts were evident among the surveyed students.