A Match Made in Heaven: Exploring Views of Medicine Students, Pharmacy Interns and Facilitators in an Interprofessional Medicines Pilot Study

Abstract

Purpose: To date, few interprofessional education initiatives have included just medicine and pharmacy learners. This research sought to explore learners’ and facilitators’ views of an interprofessional education medicines pilot study involving medical students and pharmacy interns. Methods: Qualitative feedback was gathered from the participating learners and a facilitator focus group was undertaken. Results: Medical student and pharmacy intern learners reported enjoying taking part and found the simulation and overall initiative to be authentic. They described learning most about each other’s roles and responsibilities and about teamwork, collaborative management, and collaboration. Some logistical improvements were suggested. The facilitators judged that the topic of medicines, with medical and pharmacy learners taking part, to be a match made in heaven. Conclusions: Medical student and pharmacy intern learners found the medicines topic and discipline grouping facilitated their learning. Some topics and groups of disciplines are ideally matched for IPE and such a nexus should be capitalised upon.