Nursing Students’ Perceived Effectiveness and Challenges on a Trial Clinical Interprofessional Education (IPE) Practice—Collaboration with Pharmacy Students at a Different University—

Abstract

Objective: Trial clinical interprofessional education (IPE) was introduced as part of the nursing practice for University A, involving joint clinical practice with pharmacy students at a different university. This study's objective was to identify IPE's effectiveness and issues as perceived by nursing students. Method: Forty undergraduate students in University A's School of Nursing (third year, n = 28; fourth year, n = 12) completed an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire before and after the IPE. Surveys included free-response questions, the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS), and goal attainment items. Free responses were examined using Berelson's protocol for content analysis. Quantitative items were compared between time points (significance: p < 0.05). Results: Valid responses were received from 7 out of 12 fourth-year (58.3%) and 12 out of 28 (42.9%) third-year nursing students. Statistically significant changes in RIPLS scores after the practice were not observed for students in either year. However, fourth year students had gained professional attitudes for interprofessional work and cooperation. IPE relieved third year students' awareness of barriers and tensions to other professions. Issues identified by the survey included the need to (a) ensure that goals are set according to students' grade and (b) introduce modifications in practice methods. Conclusion: This study showed IPE's effectiveness to a certain degree. Further, several issues with the program's operation and supervision were identified, requiring customization to suit nursing students' readiness to learn.