Health professions students' attitudes and perceptions of interprofessional biases

Int J Pharm Pract. 2019 Aug;27(4):396-398. doi: 10.1111/ijpp.12536. Epub 2019 Mar 26.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine attitudes toward interprofessional, team-based care in first-year health professions students.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire was administered to all first-year health professions students in their first semester at one university using the Interprofessional Attitudes Scale (IPAS). Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze the data.

Key findings: Results indicated only two significant differences among students in IPAS subdomains: teamwork (χ2 = 13.11, df = 3, P = 0.004) and patient-centredness (χ2 = 40.75, df = 3, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: Not all health professions students come into their formal education with the same level of attitudes toward team-based care. Educators should consider this when designing IPE activities.

Keywords: collaborative; interprofessional education; interprofessional learning; team-based care.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Interprofessional Relations*
  • Patient Care Team*
  • Students, Health Occupations / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires