Educators’ Experiences About Successful Interprofessional Education Programs: Karolinska Institute Example

Aim: The objective of this study is to gain a deeper understanding about the challenges encountered during the implementation of interprofessional education (IPE) programs and give a learning opportunity from pioneer educators’ experiences to the educators who want to establish IPE programs successfully in Turkey. Material and Methods: A qualitative design was used with semi-structured interviews with five founders of IPE programs in Stockholm, Sweden. Content analysis method was used to analysis the data. Results: WHO’s global support and positive reports from pioneer universities which sustained IPE activities were the driving factors to start an IPE program. The most problematic issues regarding the IPE implementation process were having a common consensus, adaptation to change, scheduling, supervision of students and financial issues. The initiator team with enthusiastic leader and champions were vital for starting off the implementation. Participants’ suggestions to educators who want to start IPE programs were: setting common goals, getting support from administrators, collaboration with the successful IPE promoters, visiting good examples, giving importance to training of supervisor, and being patient. Conclusion: Encountering with many problem is inevitable during the implementation process of interprofessional education programs. However, enthusiastic leaders can make a difference in the acceptance of interprofessional education. The administrators of the organizations are the key factors for a sustainable process.