Faculty and Staff Perceptions of Interprofessional Education: A Comparative Survey of Dental and Health Science/Nursing Faculty and Staff

Research has shown a strong correlation between oral and systemic disease; therefore, there is an increased need for collaboration between dental and medical professionals. The purpose of this study was to examine the current opportunities that exist for interprofessional education (IPE) at Nova Southeastern University (NSU), the perceived need for IPE for dental and health science/nursing students, the perceived advantages of an IPE program, the features that should be included in an IPE program, and the perceived administrative and financial barriers to increased interprofessional activities. This study surveyed graduate faculty and staff from NSU’s College of Health Care Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, and College of Nursing regarding their views on IPE. The study used the Health Professions IPE Survey. Responses were factor analyzed, which revealed two dimensions: Positive IPE Perception and NSU IPE. There was an overwhelmingly positive response to IPE for dental, health science, and nursing students as evidenced by component one (Positive IPE Perception); however, there was a more negative perception about IPE at NSU as evidenced by component two (NSU IPE), possibly due to financial and administrative considerations. Factor analysis of this data legitimizes the need for future survey development. Future research should examine enablers for IPE by eliciting faculty feedback. Faculty reluctance to engage in IPE activities can be addressed by designing faculty development programs based on Adult Learning Theory (ALT) concepts. Future IPE program development will need to include adequate institutional support, funding, faculty development, and faculty involvement in planning