Barriers and Facilitators for Interprofessional Education in Work-Focused Healthcare: An Integrative Review

To identify, summarize, and synthesize barriers and facilitators associated with interprofessional education (IPE) for work-focused healthcare professionals such as occupational physicians, social insurance physicians, and labor experts, to inform and stimulate interprofessional collaborative practice within the field of work-focused healthcare.

An integrative review was conducted to identify studies that report on IPE for work-focused healthcare professionals. Eight databases (APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, ERIC, Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science) were searched until March 2024. Reference lists of included articles were screened. Inclusion criteria were a description of an IPE activity of which at least one group of participants were work-focused healthcare professionals (in training). Barriers and facilitators were structured using the framework of Measurement Instruments for Determinants of Innovation (MIDI).

From 6123 studies, seven were included. Barriers and facilitators were identified for each level of the MIDI framework. For example, at the level of characteristics of the IPE activity, involvement of skilled educators and reflection opportunities facilitated IPE. At the level of characteristics of IPE participants, role misunderstanding and lack of interaction hindered IPE. At the level of the organizational context, connection to work practice facilitated IPE. At the level of socio-political context, lack of support from external organizations hindered IPE.

Insights from this review can inform future IPE development. It is recommended that IPE is integrated in a learning continuum, is connected to daily practice, and includes reflection possibilities and training for interprofessional competencies.