Optimizing Home Visit on Interprofessional Collaborative Practice for Enhancing Interprofessional Education Programs

Abstract Context: An effective interprofessional collaborative practice (ICP) is required to address complex patient needs, considering the growing demand for community-based care. However, there are many issues to overcome when incorporating ICP into healthcare education programs, especially in home visit settings. Objectives: This study intended to examine key themes and emerging patterns associated with both successful and problematic elements of ICP implementation in home visit programs, with the primary aim of offering recommendations for the enhancement of interprofessional education (IPE) modules. Methods: A qualitative interpretive phenomenological study was conducted. We held separate focus group discussions with educators and students from medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and religious studies who had participated in an IPE home visit program. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Four major themes highlight: (1) the importance of interprofessional communication and collaboration, (2) the opportunity for prioritizing patient-specific and holistic care in home visits, (3) the role of students as motivators and educators, and (4) the need for enhancing module structure and clarity. These themes highlight both effective practices and areas for improvement in IPE home visit programs. Conclusion: It is suggested that future IPE home visit modules that specifically address effective communication, holistic care, including spiritual aspects, and the proper use of students’ roles as educators be developed, pilot tested, and rigorously evaluated to strengthen ICP in home visit programs through IPE interventions.