Interprofessional learning experiences: Exploring the perception and attitudes of Saudi Arabian medical and dental students

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the awareness and attitudes of medical and dental students regarding interprofessional learning (IPL).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 278 female undergraduate Medical and Dental students from Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh. These students undertook IPL in the Foundation block, in basic science teaching, clinical skills’ laboratories and in professionalism and learning skills’ modules. A modified, validated RIPLS questionnaire with four subscales and 29 items was used to collect data regarding their perception and attitudes towards shared learning. A five-point Likert scale was used with a value ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree) for each item. Factor analysis was done using Varimox rotation. Student’s t test was applied to detect difference between mean scores of medical and dental student’s responses

Results: The mean age of respondents was 19.8 ± 1.7 years with the majority in the second year of each program. There was no difference in mean responses of the medical and dental students. The respondents favored shared learning in the areas of professional skills and patient care. They agreed that IPL helps to develop respect, trust and appreciation for other professions; however, both groups preferred to learn uni-professionally with regard to developing discrete professional identities and roles.

Conclusions: There is an overall positive response towards IPL and the value of team work; however, more attention needs to be paid to enabling students to learn about the specific roles of each profession in the healthcare team.

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

Ghadeer K. Al-Shaikh

Ghadeer Khadir Al-Shaikh, MBBS, FRCSC, King Saud University Medical City, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Ebtissam M. Al-Madi

Ebtissam M. Al-Madi, BDS, MSD, Department of Restorative Dental Science, College of Dentistry, King Saud University & College of Dentistry Princess Nourah bint AbdulRahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Jazba Masood

Jazba Masood, MSc, M-Phil, is at the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University College of Medicine, Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Quratulain Shaikh

Quratulain Shaikh, MBBS, FCPS, MSc, is at the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Sadiqa B. Syed

Sadiqa Badar Syed, MBBS, M-Phil, PhD, is at the Princes Nourah bint Abdulrahman University – Physiology, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Rima S. Bader

Rima S. Bader, MD, PhD, FASC, FRCPCH, FACC, Professor of Pediatric and fetal Cardiology at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Judy McKimm

Judy McKimm, MBA, MA(Ed), BA(Hons), CertEd, SFHEA, FAMEE, is a Professor of Medical Education & Director of Strategic Educational Development Swansea University School of Medicine, Swansea, United Kingdom.