Interprofessional pre-qualification clinical education: a systematic review

Abstract

A search was made of relevant databases and the reference lists of key textbooks and reviews. Of 420 potentially relevant articles, 25 were included in the review. Medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and social work were the professions most often included. Aims and activities of interprofessional clinical education (IPCE) programs were varied, and there was inconsistency in outcome evaluation approach and tools. The models of IPCE described in the literature are diverse. The major barriers to IPCE were logistical, and the careful planning and negotiation required to overcome these barriers was time consuming. Detailed planning, stakeholder enthusiasm and commitment appear to be essential to the success of IPCE. The literature provides guiding principles for establishing a program; however, there is limited evidence to support a particular approach.