A systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes of interprofessional education for healthcare students from seven countries

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of the learning outcomes of the interprofessional education (IPE) model for healthcare students.

Background: Interprofessional education (IPE) is an important teaching and learning model that involves two or more professions engaging or working together to improve the knowledge of healthcare students. However, the specific outcomes of IPE for healthcare students are unclear as only a few studies have reported them.

Design: A meta-analysis was conducted to draw broad conclusions on the impact of IPE on healthcare students' learning outcomes.

Methods: The CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched for relevant articles in the English language. To investigate the effectiveness of IPE, a pooled estimate of knowledge, readiness for and attitude toward interprofessional learning, and interprofessional competence were analyzed using a random effects model. The methodologies of the studies evaluated were assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials, version 2. Sensitivity analysis was performed to ensure the rigor of the findings. STATA 17 was used to perform the meta-analysis.

Results: Eight studies were reviewed. IPE had a significant positive impact on healthcare students' knowledge (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD]: 0.43; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.21-0.66). However, its impact on readiness for and attitude toward interprofessional learning and interprofessional competence was nonsignificant and needs further investigation.

Conclusion: IPE enables students to develop their knowledge of healthcare. This study provides evidence that IPE is a better strategy for enhancing healthcare students' knowledge than traditional/discipline-specific teaching techniques.

Keywords: Healthcare students; Interprofessional education; Knowledge; Meta-analysis.