Introduction/Rationale: Interprofessional education (IPE) is globally recognized for fostering collaboration between diverse professions, essential for effective interprofessional collaboration (IPC). However, in the Philippine context, qualitative research exploring student perceptions of IPE implementation remains scarce. This study addresses this gap by examining student experiences within an IPE course.
Objectives: To describe the perceptions of students from the University of Santo Tomas College of Rehabilitation Sciences (UST-CRS) regarding their IPE course during the academic year 2020-2021.
Methods/Approach: A phenomenological study was conducted, employing focus group discussions with undergraduate students from occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and sports sciences who completed the IPE course. Portfolio reflections were used to triangulate data. Transcripts were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis.
Results/Practice implications: Four primary themes emerged: diverse learning experiences resulting from IPE, enablers influencing IPE learning, barriers impacting IPE learning, and recommendations for future IPE implementation. Subthemes further detailed specific course components and participant experiences. Students recognized the efficacy of IPE in enhancing interprofessional communication, clarifying healthcare team roles, and fostering a deeper appreciation for collaborative practice. These positive perceptions align with international IPE studies.
Conclusion/Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: The UST-CRS IPE course provided valuable learning experiences influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Student-driven recommendations provide empirical data for stakeholders to inform evidence-based policy development, curriculum review, and future IPE program enhancement. Specifically, these findings directly enhance OT educationby fostering crucial collaborative skills needed for effective, client-centered care within interprofessional healthcare teams.