The impact of interprofessional student training initiatives in older adults’ care home settings: A scoping review

Kelly, Siobhán ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9853-442X, Stephens, Melanie ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2744-6489, Clark, Andrew ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8660-8815, Chesterton, Lorna ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9668-1941 and Hubbard, Lydia ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1794-7239 (2024) The impact of interprofessional student training initiatives in older adults’ care home settings: A scoping review. Educational Gerontology, 51 (6). pp. 615-638. ISSN 1521-0472

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Abstract

Interprofessional education (IPE) initiatives, where students from multiple professions learn from, with and about each other, have been implemented in various care environments. However, no reviews have examined the impact they have in older adult’s care home settings, despite their potential to enhance care quality. This review scopes out the available and comparable evidence reporting on the impact and structure of IPE initiatives based in the care home sector. The review aims to report countries and settings where IPE research is conducted in care homes, characterise these IPE programs (length, type, and activities), determine the professional groups involved, and assess the impact of IPE on students, residents, and care home staff. The search was limited to articles published in English from January 2010 to July 2023. Key databases and gray literature were searched, resulting in the inclusion of 10 studies. A draft charting table was developed to record key characteristics of the included studies. Thematic analysis resulted in the construction of four themes: knowledge, skills, personal development, and models for future delivery. Literature demonstrates the benefits of IPE initiatives in older adult’s care home settings, though it mainly focuses on student learning and development. Few studies examine the impacts of IPE on staff or residents, and there is limited emphasis on IPE in UK care homes. Further research is also needed to understand its longer-term implications in this context.