International Journal of Health Sciences Education

Article Title

Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes: An Interprofessional Education Workshop and Experience

Authors

Patricia Davidson, West Chester University of PennsylvaniaFollow
Scott Heinerichs, West Chester University of PennsylvaniaFollow
Melissa Reed, West Chester University of PennsylvaniaFollow
Elizabeth Grillo, West Chester University of PennsylvaniaFollow
Christine Thomas, West Chester University of PennsylvaniaFollow
Gopal Sankaran, West Chester University of PennsylvaniaFollow
Neil Curtis, West Chester University of PennsylvaniaFollow
Nadine Bean, West Chester University of PennsylvaniaFollow

Abstract

Background: Interprofessional Education (IPE) can improve teamwork among future healthcare professionals, but the academic structural environment can be a barrier to its implementation.

Methods and Results: Students from seven professional programs (athletic training. exercise science, nursing, nutrition, public health, social work, and speech-language pathology) participated in a two-part IPE program consisting of: a web-based education module and an in-person interactive workshop. Students were administered a deidentified pre/post survey to assess changes in their knowledge and attitudes toward IPE. A total of 54 students participated in both components with 46 students completing both surveys. After participating in the IPE program, significantly more students reported changes in 10 of the 18 items on the survey, particularly differentiating the roles of each profession and the benefits of interprofessional collaboration in their future careers.

Conclusion: This program increased students’ understanding of the roles of different health professions. Implementing an IPE program is beneficial for enhancing student knowledge and changing attitudes toward IPE.

Recommended Citation

Davidson, Patricia; Heinerichs, Scott; Reed, Melissa; Grillo, Elizabeth; Thomas, Christine; Sankaran, Gopal; Curtis, Neil; and Bean, Nadine (2019) "Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes: An Interprofessional Education Workshop and Experience," International Journal of Health Sciences Education, 6(1).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59942/2325-9981.1081