Integrating an interprofessional education initiative: Evidence from King Abdulaziz University

Abstract

Purpose: This paper examines current issues with interprofessional education (IPE) at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) and discusses initiatives for integrating IPE into the medical curricula at KAU.

Methods: We reviewed the current body of literature, studied reports from IPE conferences and workshops organized at KAU, and synthesized participants' feedback from the IPE programs, including an online survey.

Results: A total of 506 participants responded to the online survey. Respondents rated Interprofessional Collaborative Learning as the highest category of IPE, followed by Interprofessional Self-Improvement and Interprofessional Relationship. A hybrid conceptual framework is proposed, to tackle the issue of role clarification across all healthcare colleges at KAU. This proposition was found to be necessary due to the current state of the undergraduate curriculum which does not prepare students properly for professional collaboration.

Conclusions: The hybrid model may narrow the gap in IPE by emphasizing professional identity while reducing autonomy. Recommendations toward IPE are presented. Challenges toward IPE reform are discussed in the context of implementation at KAU and at other medical schools in the region.

Acknowledgment

The Saudi Supplement on Medical Education is sponsored and supported by Al Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Almuatazbellah A. Awan

Almuatazbellah A. Awan, MSc, is a Researcher and a Biostatistician. He received his Master’s in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Central Florida. He conceptualized and designed the study, acquired and interpreted the data, drafted the initial manuscript, revised the manuscript, and approved the final manuscript.

Zuhier A. Awan

Zuhier A. Awan, MD, MSc, PhD, FRCPC, Assistant Professor and Consultant, Faculty of Medicine, KAU, Vice Dean of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Faculty of Pharmacy, KAU. He conceptualized and designed the study, acquired and interpreted the data, drafted the initial manuscript, revised the manuscript, and approved the final manuscript.

Lana Alshawwa

Lana A. Alshawwa, MSc, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine. She holds a Master’s in Preventative Dentistry, a PhD in Higher Education Administration, both from Indiana University. She conceptualized and designed the study, drafted the initial manuscript, revised the manuscript, and approved the final manuscript.

Ara Tekian

Ara Tekian, PhD, MHPE, is Professor and the Director of International Programs at DME, and the Associate Dean for the International Affairs at the College of Medicine, UIC. He is an internationally recognized scholar and leader in health professions education. He contributed to conceptualization and revision of the manuscript.

Yoon Soo Park

Yoon Soo Park, PhD, is Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Education at the College of Medicine, UIC. He holds a Ph.D. in Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics from Columbia University. Dr. Park contributed to conceptualization and revision of the manuscript.

Ahmed Altyar

Ahmed Altyar, PharmD, is an assistant professor at King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Pharmacy, a clinical pharmacy consultant and the Director of the Interprofessional Education, Practice and Research Unit. He conceptualized the study, formalized and executed the study methodology, analysis, interpretation of results, and drafting and revisions of the manuscript.