Current status of Brazilian interprofessional education: A national survey comparing physical therapy and medical schools

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To investigate how many Brazilian medical and physical therapy schools have initiatives and courses related to IPE in their curricula, assessing the barriers and factors associated with their implementation and comparing the differences between both programs. METHODS: This nationwide survey was carried out in 2017 and included representatives of all physical therapy and medical schools in Brasil. Offers of interprofessional activities and related opinions and barriers were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 76 (33.9%) of the medical and 159 (41.4%) of the physical therapy schools answered the questionnaires. At least 68.4% of the medical schools and 79.2% of the physical therapy schools have IPE initiatives, although the number of mandatory courses and clerkships is still low. Despite recognizing IPE’s importance in health education, school representatives see the lack of integration of programs, conflicting schedules, and the lack of institutional support as barriers. In physical therapy, there is a smaller perception of barriers and greater incorporation of mandatory programs in the curriculum. CONCLUSION: These results will help in the development of future interventions that can enhance IPE in curricula in developing countries.