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Self-Efficacy for Interprofessional Experiential Learning Through an International Service Trip: A Mixed-Methods
William Sit1, Katy Davis1, Ryan Hulla2
1School of Occupational Therapy, Texas Woman's University, Dallas, TX, USA.
Occupational Therapy in Health Care
|March 23, 2025
Summary
Interprofessional experiential learning on service trips significantly boosts therapy students' self-efficacy. Collaboration among different therapy professions enhances confidence in teamwork and interprofessional skills.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Health Professions Education
- Interprofessional Education
Background:
- Interprofessional experiential learning is crucial for developing collaborative healthcare professionals.
- Service trips offer unique opportunities for immersive interprofessional education.
- Assessing the impact on student self-efficacy is vital for program development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effect of an international interprofessional service trip on the self-efficacy of occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech pathology students.
- To evaluate changes in students' confidence regarding interprofessional interaction and team evaluation.
- To explore student perceptions of how interprofessional collaboration influences their self-efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Pilot mixed-methods educational study involving therapy students on a 9-day service trip to Guatemala.
- Pre- and post-trip surveys with open-ended questions were administered to assess self-efficacy.
- Quantitative analysis of survey data and qualitative analysis of open-ended responses.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant increases in self-efficacy were observed in interprofessional interaction and team evaluation post-trip.
- Student self-efficacy was positively impacted by participation in interprofessional experiential learning.
- Qualitative data indicated that collaboration with peers from other professions was a key factor influencing self-efficacy.
Conclusions:
- International interprofessional service trips effectively enhance therapy students' self-efficacy.
- Peer collaboration across different health professions is a powerful driver of increased self-efficacy.
- Findings support the continued development and implementation of interprofessional service-learning initiatives.
