Research - Attitudes & Perception

•Data analysis for the past three years has indicated the following:◦Interprofession education is perceived as beneficial and important to the training of future health care professionals. The baseline RIPLS survey indicate opportunities for improvement in breaking down silos and opening minds to what other disciplines have to offer.

Measurement Tool

  • A modified version of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) specifically designed for faculty and staff will be used to assess attitudes toward interprofessional education (IPE) and explore ideas for encouraging interprofessional collaboration.
  • RIPLS is a 19-item Likert scaled instrument uses repeated measures to assess changes in attitudes and perceptions. The items are categorized into the sub-categories of teamwork and collaboration, roles and responsibilities, positive professional identity, and negative professional identity.
  • This measurement tool is administered at the start of each academic year. The annual results are used to track changes in attitudes and perceptions of interprofessional education implementation

Data Analysis

  • Data collection began in fall 2015. Due to an error in data collection, the fall 2015 was considered invalid. The data collection method was revised and baseline data was collected in Fall 2016.
  • On average, 70 employees complete the survey each fall term.
  • Multiple events occur throughout the academic year to educate and promote interprofessionalism at the institution.
  • Data analysis  for the past three years has indicated the following:
    • Interprofession education  is perceived as beneficial and important to the training of future health care professionals.  The baseline RIPLS survey indicate opportunities for improvement in breaking down silos and opening minds to what other disciplines have to offer. 
    • In the last two years, employees have indicated that they have a clearer understanding of the different roles and responsiblities of the different health professions. This may indicate that employees are embracing IPE and as silos among  different professions are beginning to diminish.