The development of a questionnaire to assess the readiness of health care students for interprofessional learning (RIPLS)

Objectives Although shared learning activities are gradually being introduc ed to health care undergraduates, it has not been possible to measure the e ffects of educational interventions on students' attitudes. The main object ive of this study was to develop a rating scale using items based on the de sired outcomes of shared learning, to assess the 'readiness' of health care students for shared learning activities. Design and participants A questionnaire study of 120 undergraduate students in 8 health care professions. Results Principal components analysis resulted a 3-factor scale with 19 ite ms and having an internal consistency of 0.9. The factors have been initial ly named 'team-working and collaboration', 'professional identity' and 'pro fessional roles'. Conclusions The new scale may be used to explore differences in students' p erception and attitudes towards multi-professional learning. Further work i s necessary to validate the scale amongst a larger population.