Student perceptions of an interprofessional clinical experience at a university clinic

Abstract

Evidence suggests that interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) leads to better patient care and staff satisfaction. Interprofessional education (IPE) encourages those studying to be health professionals to develop the skills required to practise in this manner. Few studies have explored students’ beliefs and attitudes regarding clinical placements that aim to develop IPCP. This study explored students’ perceptions of the placement and the utility of an interprofessional education questionnaire. Student beliefs were measured by the IPE Student Questionnaire, which included the Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale (ISVS) consisting of three subscales (self-perceived ability to work with others, value in working with others, and comfort with working with others), a short-answer section with closed- and open-ended questions about student placement perceptions, and a demographic questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Thirty-seven students completed the questionnaire. The Cronbach alpha for ISVS was acceptable (0.91). The ISVS subscale scores were high (4.92, 4.70, 4.47), and their respective Cronbach alpha scores were acceptable (0.77,  0.85, 0.74). Short-answer question results suggest that 83% of students had a good experience; 91% stated it changed how they related to other health  professionals; and 78% gained a better understanding of what other health professionals did. Results suggest that students’ inter-professional experience is valuable. Limitations with the IPE Student Questionnaire were identified.