Interprofessional education and self-evaluated competences among physiotherapy students: a cross-sectional study in Finland

Background This study investigates the participation of Finnish physiotherapy (PT) students in interprofessional education (IPE), self-assessed levels of four interprofessional competences, and the effects of background variables on these competences.Methods A core competence questionnaire was sent twice to all student members of the Finnish Association of Physiotherapists (N = 773/2017; N = 861/2018) pursuing their professional degree in physiotherapy. The average response rate was 24% (n = 198; 82% women; Mean age 28.6). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics, employing non-parametric tests.Results & conclusion Total of 68% of the respondents had participated in IPE, mostly with occupational therapists, nurses and social educators. On average, self-assessed competence levels ranged from good to very good (median 3.0–4,2; Scale1–5). Compared to other background variable categories Interprofessional Agency was assessed higher among early middle-aged (30–39 years; p = 0.004) and advanced students (≥120 ECTS; p = 0.001–0.002), those with other University of Applied Sciences qualifications (p = 0.012), longer work experience (6 years; p = 0.019–0.028), and IPE experience (p = 0.038). Values and Ethics (>180 ECTS; p = 0.024), Roles and Responsibilities (≥120 ECTS; p = 0.001–0.002), and Teams and Teamwork (>180 ECTS; p = 0.009) competences were higher among advanced students. Competence assessments varied by background factors. These findings should be considered when designing interprofessional modules in PT education. Further research on interprofessional competences and IPE is needed.