Interprofessional Education: Graduate Students’ Perspectives

Abstract

Background: This program evaluation used qualitative methodology to describestudents’ expectations, concerns, needed supports, and experiences in a yearlongInterprofessional Education program.Methods and Findings: Focus groups were used to obtain the views of nurse practitionerand Master of social work students. Students participated in focus groups atthe program beginning and completion. Interprofessional education competencies,expectations, and concerns were examined. Results showed that at the beginning,students indicated a desire to understand the other’s professional role. They alsoexpressed concerns. During the post-program interviews, students indicated adesire to have had more classes and work together in clinical practice. Limitationsincluded a lack of participation of all students in the final focus groups.Conclusions: Student input in a program is essential. Further research is needed.Keywords: Interprofessional education (IPE); Qualitative research; Student evaluation;Graduate education