Nursing and medical students near-peer activity in the anatomy laboratory: format for success

An anatomy interprofessional near-peer learning activity (AIP-NPLA) between nursing and medical students was piloted to assess its implementability. This study aimed to: (1) identify key factors of feasibility and (2) describe student-group perceptions of their experience of the interprofessional education (IPE) activity. Methods A total of 59 medical and 179 nursing students participated in the AIP-NPLA whereby medical students were asked to facilitate and lead group discussions with their nursing students colleagues on an anatomical topic using a donor cadaver. Each AIP-NPLA session lasted a total of two hours. A mixed methods approach was employed using both quantitative and qualitative means of assessment. Variables such as Readiness for Interprofessional Learning, Professional Self-Identity, Clinical Teaching Preference, and Near-Peer Teaching and Learning Experience were assessed quantitatively using validated surveys. Qualitative measures included thematic content analysis of focus group interviews conducted following the AIP-NPLA to capture the perceptions of the student groups’ experience in the IPE activity. Results The results of this investigation demonstrated that there are key factors to consider when designing successful and sustainable IPE activities; the level of clinical exposure and therefore student-group pairing based on professional self-identify scores, optimal tutor-to-tutee group ratios and an activity format that maintained an informal, flexible and free forum for discussion on a topic of common knowledge. Focus group interviews also revealed reflections on professional stereotypes. Conclusion These findings suggest that early implementation of IPE activities outside of a clinical setting are beneficial and can foster both learning from one another and positive perceptions of interprofessional roles when carefully designed.