Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine whether a foundational interprofessional education workshop (IPE is Key) could enhance students’ attitudes and perceptions of interprofessional collaboration among nursing, health information management (HIM), and kinesiology students at the authors' university.
Methods
An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used. Nursing and HIM students attended the workshop as part of course attendance requirements, while kinesiology students were invited and offered professional contact hours. Participants voluntarily completed the Students' Perceptions of Interprofessional Clinical Education, Revision 2 (SPICE-R2) pre- and post-workshop surveys (n = 97) to measure perceptions of teamwork, roles/responsibilities, and patient outcomes. Two post-workshop focus groups (n = 10) explored students’ experiences in greater depth. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired sample t-tests; qualitative data were analyzed thematically.
Results
Quantitative results showed significant improvement in students’ perceptions of interprofessional collaboration (pre-survey M=41.41; post-survey M=46.46; p < 0.001) across all domains. Improvements were consistent across disciplines. Qualitative findings supported these results, with four themes emerging: teamwork, communication, IPE value, and understanding of roles. Students described increased awareness of other professions’ contributions and emphasized how communication and teamwork enhanced patient care.
Conclusion
The IPE is Key workshop profoundly elevated students’ attitudes toward interprofessional collaboration and accentuated the value of learning with, from, and about peers in other health professions. Despite limitations related to participant distribution and short-term measurement, this study supports integrating structured, interactive IPE into health sciences curricula to better prepare students for collaborative, patient-centered care.
How could this topic be generalized to other health professions?
By examining the effects of this broader IPE experience, the researchers aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of interprofessional collaboration at the university, with the potential to inform and strengthen future health professional training programs. This research may offer insights that may be generalized to broader interdisciplinary education across health professions.
Which allied health professions were a part of the study or investigated?
Nursing; Health Studies; Exercise Science
Recommended Citation
Beebe, T., St. Romain, A., Gros, A., Ghani, A., & Dykes, T. (2026). IPE Is Key: Exploring Students’ Perceptions and Attitudes of Interprofessional Education and Collaboration Through a Foundational Educational Workshop. Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration, 6(1). Retrieved from https://repository.ulm.edu/ojihp/vol6/iss1/8
