Evaluating interprofessional learning modules: health students’ attitudes to interprofessional practice

Interprofessional learning opportunities are thought to assist health students to work in a more collaborative, patient focussed manner during their career. In line with this thinking, the University of Newcastle's Department of Rural Health delivers monthly interprofessional learning modules (ILMs) to students on a range of health topics. Students' attitudes towards interprofessional learning were assessed pre- and post-ILM, using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning scale (RIPLS). Thirty-eight students completed both pre- and post-surveys with a return rate of 36%. Our results demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in students' attitudes to interprofessional learning in three of four domains. Based on the findings from this study, ILMs appear to be a worthwhile educational opportunity and may improve student attitudes to interprofessional learning in the short term.