Evaluation of an interprofessional educational program in nursing home practice: a mixed methods multiple-case study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare education research
• Nursing home care quality
• Interprofessional practice

Background:

• Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) and education (IPE) show potential for improving nursing home resident care.
• Implementing IPC and IPE in these settings presents significant challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation of a co-designed IPE program in nursing homes.
• To investigate healthcare students' learning experiences and influencing factors within the IPE program.
• To assess the impact of IPE on both students and the broader care environment.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed across three case studies.
• Student learning was assessed using pre- and posttests.
• Qualitative data were gathered through focus groups and interviews with students and educators.

Main Results:

• Students demonstrated enhanced interprofessional skills and adopted person-centered practices.
• Both students and educators confirmed learning gains through interviews.
• The program indicated positive learning outcomes for other stakeholders and influenced existing IPC.

Conclusions:

• IPE implementation is influenced by workplace learning culture, resources, and organizational IPC infrastructure.
• Existing IPC can stimulate or be accelerated by IPE, and vice versa.
• Simultaneous attention to interrelated enabling factors across organizational levels can expedite the development of IPE-ready organizations.