Test/Re-Test reliability of the readiness for interprofessional education learning scale and interdisciplinary education perception scale in health science students

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to establish the test/re-test reliability of two common interprofessional education (IPE) instruments, the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) and the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS), and to compare results based on previous IPE experience. The RIPLS and the IEPS were distributed to 251 students within five academic health science programs at one university. Both instruments were distributed at a second session 10–14 days later. Weighted Kappa, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change were calculated for each instrument’s composite scores and subscales. Assessments occurred for all subjects and between students with and without previous IPE experience. Overall and between-group composite score reliability for the RIPLS and IEPS were excellent (ICC≥0.81). RIPLS subscale ICCs were variable per previous IPE experience, ranging from fair-excellent (ICC = 0.56–0.86). IEPS subscale ICCs were excellent for students with previous IPE experience (ICC≥0.76), and fair-excellent for students without previous experience (ICC = 0.64–0.84). Students with previous IPE experience had significantly higher scores within and between sessions for the RIPLS (p ≤ 0.031) but not the IEPS. Both instruments have acceptable measurement consistency; however, the RIPLS varied in repeatability compared to the IEPS. Previous IPE experience should be accounted for when distributing/interpreting the results.

KEYWORDS:

• Interprofessional education
• healthcare
• readiness
• perception
• reliability

Declaration of interest

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

Additional information

Funding

No funding was received for this study or manuscript.

Notes on contributors

Aaron Sciascia

Aaron Sciascia, PhD, ATC, PES, SMTC is an associate professor at Eastern Kentucky University for the CAATE-accredited athletic training education program. He is a Fellow within the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists and an Affiliate Member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons.

Karina Christopher

Karina Christopher, PhD, RD, LD is an assistant professor for the ACEND accredited dietetic program and Director of the Master of Public Health at Eastern Kentucky University. She served as the President of the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics during the 2018-2019 term and has served in other roles on this board over the years.

Casey Humphrey

Casey Humphrey, OTD, MHA, OTR/L, CBIS, CDRS is an assistant professor and the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University. Her clinical expertise is in the areas of acquired brain injury, geriatrics, driving rehabilitation, and health administration.

Leah Simpkins

Leah Simpkins, OTD, OTR/L, CPAM, CDP is an Assistant Professor of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). Having worked for 15 years with the geriatric adult population, she now leads students at EKU with Level I fieldwork geriatric/productive aging placements.

Christen Guffey Page

Christen Guffey Page, PhD, CCC-SLP is an Assistant Professor for the communication disorders program at Eastern Kentucky University. Her research interests include interprofessional education, qualitative methods, and quality of life for residents in long-term care.

Lisa G. Jones

Lisa G. Jones, PhD, RN, CCRN is the Associate Chair and Associate Professor within Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing at Eastern Kentucky University. She holds baccalaureate and Master’s Degrees in nursing from Eastern Kentucky University and a PhD in Nursing from the University of Kentucky.