The effect of episodic interprofessional education activities embedded within physical therapy and occupational therapy curricula

This study aimed to determine the effect of interprofessional education (IPE) activities on professional level occupational and physical therapy student perception of their competency and their actual observed competency in interprofessional collaboration. The effect of three IPE activities embedded within occupational therapy and physical therapy curricula were measured. Significant changes were noted in the students' perception of their interprofessional collaboration using the Interprofessional Collaborative Competencies Attainment Survey (ICCAS) Revised tool, following each of the three activities. Analysis of the Interprofessional Collaborator Assessment Rubric (ICAR)-Modified revealed "expected" proficiency level with no significant difference between occupational and physical therapy students. The study found from a program evaluation perspective that IPE activities generate immediate positive changes, but longitudinal or cumulative development was not detected. This program evaluation also supports the need for an IPE assessment to measure and track longitudinal development of interprofessional collaborative competencies across the curriculum.