Comparable outcomes between face-to-face and online deliveries of an introduction to IPE event for occupational therapy and physical therapy students

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Physical rehabilitation is conducted by several health care professionals, including occupational therapists and physical therapists. Developing a foundational understanding of roles, responsibilities, and teamwork is essential for students in occupational therapy and physical therapy. The Introduction to IPE event with occupational therapy and physical therapy students was successfully implemented face-to-face in the past; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was modified to an online format. This study aims to compare the outcomes of online versus face-to-face delivery methods in an introductory interprofessional education activity for occupational therapy and physical therapy students.METHODS First semester occupational therapy and physical therapy students were placed in small groups to discuss professional identities and interprofessional collaboration. Students completed the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) pre-post-meeting and a written reflection post-meeting. RESULTSNo differences in RIPLS scores were found between face-to-face and online delivery of an IPE event.Qualitatively assessed themes of the face-to-face and online students' reflections were similar in several areas. Additional themes from the online group included the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on collaborative learning activities and the disproportion of group size leading to feelings of power imbalance.DISCUSSION Online delivery of an introductory IPE offering produced similar results as face-to-face delivery.