The Need for and Perceptions of Interprofessional Education and Collaboration Among Undergraduate Students in Nursing and Medicine in South Korea

PURPOSE: Interprofessional education (IPE) for undergraduate students in the healthcare disciplines facilitates the acquisition of skills required for interprofessional collaboration, which is critical for patient care. This study assesses the need for and perceptions of IPE and interprofessional collaboration among undergraduate students in nursing and medicine in South Korea. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey of undergraduate students in nursing (n = 130) and medicine (n = 68), who had never been exposed to IPE, using a convenience sampling method. The Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) (19 items), Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS) (12 items), and Interprofessional Education and Collaborative (IPEC) Competency Self-Assessment Scale (16 items) were used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ(2) test, and independent sample t-test. RESULTS: Students in both schools almost equally indicated the need for IPE and practice-based IPE in their clinical rotations, focusing on patients in general wards, and wanted to learn teamwork. The mean RIPLS scores were 68.5 ± 5.62 in nursing students and 67.5 ± 6.53 in medical students, and those of the IEPS were 57.0 ± 7.03 in nursing students and 58.7 ± 7.08 in medical students, without significant differences. Nursing students scored significantly higher on the positive professional identity subscale of the RIPLS, whereas medical students scored higher on the competency and autonomy and perceived need for cooperation subscales of the IEPS. The total scale scores on the IPEC Competency Self-Assessment Scale were 65.2 ± 3.35 for nursing students and 67.4 ± 2.96 for medical students, the latter having a significantly higher score. CONCLUSION: This study revealed differences in needs and perceptions regarding IPE and interprofessional collaboration between schools. These findings warrant further research to design IPE program goals and strategies that are reflective of students’ needs.