Interprofessional peer-assisted learning as a low-threshold course for joint learning: Evaluation results of the interTUT Project.
The delivery of needs-based health care services requires a team-based and collaborative approach of different health professionals, which is not yet sufficienctliy implemented on a day to day basis. Interprofessional learning activities aim to respond to this in future. The cross-university pilot project interTUT used peer-assisted learning approaches and extracurricular tutorials in order address this issue.



During the pilot phase, eight students and trainees have been acquired. Together, they prepared and led four extracurricular tutorials on core topics of interprofessional cooperation and documented them in procedure manuals. The course was evaluated using a standardized participant survey (n=72) and two focus groups (n=3, n=5) in which participants were asked to reflect on their individual learning experiences. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the survey data and the focus group material was interpreted using qualitative content analysis.



The results indicated a high level of satisfaction, acceptance of and further demand for peer-supported learning activities. The students and trainees reported changed attitudes and subjective knowledge growth regarding the other professional groups. The constructive learning atmosphere as well as having access to a forum for interprofessional exchange were equally valued.



Extracurricular tutorials offer a low-threshold and very promising point of contact for the facilitation of interprofessional teaching and learning. However, this should be viewed against the background that, as part of the pilot project, only a small number of students and trainees who were already interested in the topic could be reached by this optional course. A comprehensive, long-term trial of this teaching and learning format, its linkage to curricular courses, and further research on its education-specific and practice-related effects are, therefore, necessary.
Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department for Curriculum Management, Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Berlin, Germany.
Kathrin
K
Reichel
Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences, Degree Course Physical/Occupational Therapy, Berlin, Germany.
Stefan
S
Dietsche
Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department for Curriculum Management, Berlin, Germany.
Henrike
H
Hölzer
Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Berlin, Germany.
Michael
M
Ewers
D017144:Focus Groups; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007858:Learning; D010865:Pilot Projects
Interprofessional Education; Interprofessional Relations; Peer-Assisted Learning; Student Learning