Developing the next generation of healthcareprofessionals: the impact of an interprofessionaleducation placement model

Interprofessional education (IPE), as preparation for interprofessional practice, is considered essential for

quality, coordinated, outcome-focussed patient care. To develop capacity in our future healthcare practitioners,

IPE needs to be developed within curricula, and opportunities provided to practise within the placement

setting. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a structured IPE placement program on students’

perceptions of IPE within an authentic healthcare setting. This paper reports on changes in students’ attitudes

toward IPE, as measured by the SPICE-R2 instrument, in response to program involvement. Thirty-six students

from six health professions participated in the study and reported significantly improved perceptions toward

IPE, particularly in their understanding of roles and responsibilities, teamwork, and patient outcomes. The

outcomes reinforce the importance of offering intentional and structured IPE activities during placement and

the value provided to health students, preparing them for future collaborative practice.