Measuring Veterinarian Professions' Readiness for Interprofessional Learning in a Pre- and Post-Intervention Study

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Interprofessional Education
• Healthcare Professional Development

Background:

• Growing importance of interprofessional collaboration in veterinary care.
• Need for interprofessional education (IPE) within veterinary programs.
• Assessing readiness for interprofessional learning among veterinary professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore German veterinary students' and apprentices' readiness for interprofessional learning.
• To assess the impact of an interprofessional communication course on attitudes towards IPE.
• To evaluate shifts in readiness for interprofessional learning using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS).

Main Methods:

• Administered the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) pre- and post-course.
• Course combined asynchronous online modules, live seminars, and practical training.
• Statistical analyses included McNemar, Cohen's Kappa, and exact Fisher tests.

Main Results:

• Significant positive attitude shifts observed in student and apprentice groups post-course, especially in 'Professional Identity'.
• No correlation found between face-to-face contact and RIPLS ratings.
• High overall receptiveness to interprofessional learning in veterinary education.

Conclusions:

• Interprofessional communication courses can positively influence attitudes towards IPE in veterinary settings.
• Further program adjustments and more interactive participation are needed for enhanced interprofessional learning experiences.
• Study indicates strong potential for attitude change and improved interprofessional collaboration in veterinary education.