Nutrition Students’ Experiences of Interprofessional Learning in a Nursing Home

Abstract

Background: Interprofessional experience is vitally important for nutrition students, as nutritionists often find themselves working independently in a team with other professionals. Few studies have explored qualitatively how nutrition students perceive learning activities in an interprofessional setting.

Methods and Findings: Third-year bachelor’s degree nutrition students participated in a focus group interview after interprofessional learning in a nursing home. A qualitative study with a phenomenological-hermeneutical approach was conducted to investigate lived experiences. One theme emerged from the data analysis: A professional understanding of oneself and others. Being acknowledged as a professional, being an active participant, and collaborating to enhance resident care were revealed as sub-themes.

Conclusions: A short period of interprofessional learning in an authentic setting may expand students’ experiences and enhance professional confidence.

Keywords:

• Nutrition students,
• Lived experience,
• Interprofessional education,
• Nursing home,
• Phenomenological–hermeneutical method