Attitudes of Healthcare Students Towards Interprofessional Education

Objective Interprofessional education (IPE) is increasingly recognized as crucial for effective healthcare delivery. This study aimed to assess the perceptions of medical and nursing students in Pakistan using the Interprofessional Attitude Scale (IPAS). Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted across various medical and nursing institutions in Pakistan. A total of 465 students (65% medical, 35% nursing) completed the 27-item IPAS questionnaire, which was administered online. Demographic data and previous healthcare experience were also collected. The tool was validated by 5 experts and piloted on 20 students before the study. Differences in IPAS scores based on program type (medical vs. nursing), gender, and training phase (pre-clinical vs. clinical) were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and independent samples t-tests. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results Nursing students scored significantly higher on the “Patient-Centeredness” subscale, while medical students scored higher on the “Roles and Responsibilities” subscale. Female students, especially in the nursing cohort, exhibited more positive attitudes toward IPE (p = 0.009). Significantly higher scores were noted in pre-clinical students compared to those in clinical years (p = 0.013), suggesting positively influenced attitudes because of early exposure. Conclusion Healthcare students in Pakistan generally exhibit positive attitudes towards interprofessional education (IPE). Significant variations were observed based on the type of academic program, gender, and level of training. Integrating IPE early in healthcare education programs can enhance collaborative abilities and prepare students for multidisciplinary cooperation. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of IPE and address barriers to its effective implementation.