Problems in implementing interprofessional education in rural areas: An exploratory study

Health professionals and students can create positive IPE experiences in rural learning environments, and evidence of positive outcomes is accumulating1,2. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 physicians, nurses (including public health nurses), physical therapists, occupational therapists, registered dietitians, medical social workers and medical office workers. Participants gave mostly positive responses to IPE; however, we identified the following four problem categories: lack of network development, lack of long-term local government plans, difficulties in making time for learning, and hierarchies among health professionals (Table 1).