Interdisciplinary interprofessional education using an online learning environment called values exchange: A qualitative investigation

Abstract

Introduction Interprofessional education (IPE) is implemented throughout the curricula of student healthcare professions as it is understood to provide positive impact on patient outcomes in the clinical environment. There are different methods to provide IPE such as through online learning or traditional face‐to‐face methods. However, there is a lack of research surrounding the use of Online Learning Environments (OLEs) to teach IPE. Methods In a pilot study, seventy‐one undergraduate radiography students and twenty Master of Pharmacy students engaged in an ethical scenario using the OLE, Values Exchange (Vx). Following the activity, students were invited to complete an open‐ended response question. Fourteen students responded and these data were used for qualitative analysis. Results A thematic analysis of the students' open‐ended responses found the emergence of three major themes, namely; understanding the roles of other healthcare professionals, developing self‐reflection skills and, preparing for the clinical environment. Students suggested that additional time allocated for undertaking the study would benefit their engagement in the activity. Students would benefit from added engagement in the Vx task in both the short and long term for IPE. Conclusion Students are receptive in utilising contemporary approaches such as OLEs in furthering their IPE. Positive interpretations and suggestions by both radiography and pharmacy students in this study demonstrate how Vx as an OLE teaching tool can be used effectively. OLEs can overcome barriers that exist in face‐to‐face education experiences. OLEs should be considered for greater use within academic curricula of healthcare professions, but only if they have been evaluated for effectiveness.

Evaluation of Online Distant Synchronous Interprofessional Simulations

“…Past literature reviews have highlighted the value students place on face-to-face interaction 10. This study's findings support that an interactive video conferencing platform can effectively provide the face-to-face learning experience that students value while increasing access across institutions and geography to IPE 28…”

“…10 This study's findings support that an interactive video conferencing platform can effectively provide the face-to-face learning experience that students value while increasing access across institutions and geography to IPE. 28 The IPE simulation aimed to improve the students' awareness of each other's professional roles. Midwifery and OB-GYN residents indicated different levels of attainment of this aim.…”

Fostering public health ethics awareness among medical students through interactive web-based values exchange learning: A cross-sectional study

“…The results of the present study are unique. While previous studies have exposed health professionals in nursing, radiology, pharmacy, and social care to the VX platform and determined it to be an effective tool for navigating ethical dilemmas and decision-making, [27][28][29][30][31][32] none have investigated its potential as an educational tool for promoting ethical research practices in public health among medical students.…”

“…[43,44] Although we demonstrated the effect of the VX platform on public health research ethics, it is also applicable to any field of education and research, as shown in previous papers describing ethics in radiology. [31,32] It remains to be determined whether integrating strategic components of the learning environment that specifically address ethical uncertainty during undergraduate training would effectively prepare students for the pervasive uncertainty present in clinical practice. [45] Nonetheless, anticipation and preparation for uncertainty in clinical practice can enhance students self-efficacy when facing such unpredictability and promote their overall well-being.…”