Cherie Lucas1, Tamara Power2, Caleb Ferguson3, Carolyn Hayes4. 1. University of Technology Sydney, Graduate School of Health (Pharmacy), 100 Broadway, Chippendale, Building 20, Level 9, Room 20, Sydney, NSW, 2008, Australia. Electronic address: cherie.lucas@uts.edu.au. 2. University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Health (Nursing), Building 10, 235 Jones St, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia. Electronic address: Tamara.Power@uts.edu.au. 3. Western Sydney Nursing and Midwifery Research Centre, Western Sydney University and Western, Sydney Local Health District, Western Sydney Nursing and Midwifery Research Centre Marcel Crescent, Blacktown, Sydney, NSW, 2148, Australia. Electronic address: c.ferguson@westernsydney.edu.au. 4. University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Health (Nursing), Building 10, 235 Jones St, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia. Electronic address: Carolyn.Hayes@uts.edu.au.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Interacting and engaging with other health care professionals can enhance communication and collaboration within the multidisciplinary healthcare team, contributing to improved patient safety and patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To explore the student learning experience utilizing the Reflective Interprofessional Education Model (RIPE) model of interprofessional learning. METHODS: Qualitative study utilizing data from seven (7) focus groups sessions. Data were transcribed verbatim using a transcribing service; and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's 6-phase process for thematic analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-five Master of Pharmacy pre-licenced students (male n = 25; female: n = 30) participated in the study. The 7 focus groups consisted of 6-8 participants ranging between 18 and 28 min in duration. Thematic analysis generated four key themes: (i) Time management: managing interruptions in a time pressured acute care environment is challenging but necessary; (ii) Learning the Lingo: patient-centered communicating and engaging patients and family in care; (iii) Communication: developing interprofessional communication as a vital skill for healthcare professionals; and (iv) Teamwork: recognizing the importance of teamwork, relationships and respect. CONCLUSIONS: Students found the simulated, acute care setting challenging for effective communication and collaboration with other health professional team members. It was also perceived that critical patient information can be lost or misinterpreted if there is poor interprofessional communication and collaboration, contributing to iatrogenesis and poor patient outcomes. Effective collaboration was perceived to be beneficial to enhancing confidence with engagement and communication, appreciation and respect for the expertise of other healthcare professions.
BACKGROUND: Interacting and engaging with other health care professionals can enhance communication and collaboration within the multidisciplinary healthcare team, contributing to improved patient safety and patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To explore the student learning experience utilizing the Reflective Interprofessional Education Model (RIPE) model of interprofessional learning. METHODS: Qualitative study utilizing data from seven (7) focus groups sessions. Data were transcribed verbatim using a transcribing service; and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's 6-phase process for thematic analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-five Master of Pharmacy pre-licenced students (male n = 25; female: n = 30) participated in the study. The 7 focus groups consisted of 6-8 participants ranging between 18 and 28 min in duration. Thematic analysis generated four key themes: (i) Time management: managing interruptions in a time pressured acute care environment is challenging but necessary; (ii) Learning the Lingo: patient-centered communicating and engaging patients and family in care; (iii) Communication: developing interprofessional communication as a vital skill for healthcare professionals; and (iv) Teamwork: recognizing the importance of teamwork, relationships and respect. CONCLUSIONS: Students found the simulated, acute care setting challenging for effective communication and collaboration with other health professional team members. It was also perceived that critical patient information can be lost or misinterpreted if there is poor interprofessional communication and collaboration, contributing to iatrogenesis and poor patient outcomes. Effective collaboration was perceived to be beneficial to enhancing confidence with engagement and communication, appreciation and respect for the expertise of other healthcare professions.