Using a Mixed Methods Approach to Explore Perceptions of Early Learners in Classroom-Based Interprofessional Education Experiences

Objective. To explore attitudes and learning outcomes among early-level health professions students who completed foundational interprofessional education (IPE) courses. Methods. This study used a mixed methods approach to examine assessment and evaluation data from two student cohorts enrolled in two one-credit, semester-long interprofessional courses taught in fall and spring 2017. Attitudinal changes following the fall course were measured and compared in a retrospective pretest-posttest manner across student disciplines using the Student Perceptions of Inter-professional Clinical Education-Revised Instrument, version 2 (SPICE-R2). Course evaluation comments and narrative reflection assignments for both courses were analyzed qualitatively via data reduction and compilation to identify evidence of learning. Results. Significant increases in positive student perceptions regarding IPE were found, with variation in the increase seen between professions following the first course. Core themes identified in the narrative reflections demonstrated student learning in interprofessional attitudes, communication, professional identity, collaborative behaviors, and systems of care. Conclusion. Student attitudes toward interprofessional learning were more positive following completion of a foundational IPE course. In addition, learning in the course shaped students' professional identities, collaborative behaviors, and understanding of systems of care. These findings suggest value in early IPE and directions for better structuring curriculum and timing of IPE.