Exploring the opportunities and challenges to implementing interprofessional education in Saudi Arabia: a qualitative study among faculty

Journal Article

2022

Interprofessional education (IPE) has potential benefits for improving the quality of patient care, but its
implementation is challenged with multiple barriers. The primary objectives of this study were to explore
the challenges, benefits, and incentives to establishing IPE from the perspective of healthcare faculty at
King Saud University. Forty-five faculty members attended six focus groups, each consisting of 6–8 faculty
members representing the five colleges. The focus group interview guide included the benefits of and
barriers to establishing IPE in this academic institution, curricular design, and the feasibility of support
from the colleges and University administration. A SWOC (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities,
Challenges) frame work was utilized to guide the focus group discussions, and the data were analyzed
inductively using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged and were related to (i) barriers, (ii)
benefits, (iii) opportunities to facilitate the introduction of IPE, and (iv) suggestions on how to implement
IPE and overcome challenges to establish an IPE curriculum. Participants were generally supportive of IPE
and aware of the constraints that might impede its implementation. Moreover, they identified potential
barriers and incentives to promote IPE. Although participants appreciated the long-term benefits of IPE,
creating a supportive environment will require the involvement of the academic community, including
students, faculty members, and the University’s top management.