Effectiveness of Early-Stage Community Based Interprofessional Education for University Students through Practical Training

Summary The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Interprofessional Education (IPE), which is implemented soon after students enter university. Sapporo Medical University began implementing IPE in the Medicine, Nursing, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy departments in 2004. The program currently runs from the first to the fourth year of university and comprises lectures, exercises and practicum training. The optional course for-first year students was updated in 2012. We examined changes in social skills (KiSS-18) and Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) scores before and after practicum training. The subjects included 39 students who completed both surveys (valid response rate: 67.2%). Dependent variable scores on the three RIPLS subscales improved after practical training. A significant difference was observed in KiSS-18 scores between male and female students before the practicum. Female students had already received a high KiSS-18 score before the practicum. Scores on KiSS-18 and two RIPLS subscales (Teamwork and Collaboration, and IPE Opportunities) increased significantly for male students, whereas scores on the third RIPLS subscale (Uniqueness of Profession) increased significantly for female students. We found that early implementation of practical training in IPE had at least a short-term effect, and that these effects varied depending on gender.