Understanding what constitutes effective interprofessional facilitation : an integrative review

Background: Health care delivery consists of multiple providers across different sectors meeting the needs of increasingly diverse and aging populations. Lack of communication and collaboration between healthcare providers has lead to fragmented patient care and adverse patient outcomes. Objective: Interprofessional education (IPE) is linked to improved healthcare provider collaboration and patient outcomes. There is an increasing need for educators who can effectively facilitate the delivery of IPE. The purpose of this review is to uncover what constitutes effective interprofessional facilitation (IPF) for pre-licensure health science students. Methods: Whittemore and Knafl (2005) five-step approach to integrative reviews was utilized: problem identification, literature search, data evaluation, data and analysis and presentation. Four databases were searched for literature published between 2013-2018. Inclusion criteria were: a) literature published in English b) literature published in common wealth countries c) literature covering in-class pre-licensure health science IPE d) quantitative, qualitative, systematic reviews and non-empirical methodologies. Results: 14 articles met inclusion criteria and were reviewed for quality using critical appraisal tools. Two articles addressed student perceptions of IPE and six articles addressed interprofessional faculty member’s perceptions of IPE and IPF. Three articles addressed the nature of IPF and faculty development initiatives. One article focused on students developing an interprofessional identity. Four major themes were identified in the literature: IPF strategies, IPF training, creating a culturally safe learning environment and student perceptions of IPE. Conclusion: This integrative review uniquely adds to the body of IPF research. A number of strategies were uncovered to enhance IP facilitator’s ability to deliver effective IPE. IPF training is vital in supporting and preparing educators to facilitate IPE effectively. Polices and educational institutions need to support educators in IPF with training programs and resource materials. Effective delivery of IPE has a large impact on preparing future healthcare professionals to provide safe, collaborative person-centered care.Applied Science, Faculty ofNursing, School ofReviewedGraduat