Exploring Preparedness, Motivation, Communication Tools and Strategies for the Engagement of Facilitators in Interprofessional Education

Abstract

Interprofessional education (IPE) case-based events aim to nurture effective communication and active engagement among students from diverse disciplines. Facilitators play a critical role in the success of these events, yet limited research explores how to best prepare and motivate facilitators to fully engage students. This study addresses this gap by examining structured facilitator preparedness, motivational factors, and communication tools that enhance student engagement. Seven facilitators with prior IPE experience participated in semi-structured interviews to share their perspectives on preparation, motivation, and effective communication strategies. The interviews, lasting 45 to 60 minutes, were guided by questions adapted from Dalhousie University's Interprofessional Facilitation Scale (IFS) and included standardized prompts for discussion. Transcriptions of the sessions were analyzed to identify actionable strategies for facilitator development. The results revealed that structured preparation materials, such as case study notes and facilitation guides, significantly enhanced facilitators’ confidence and readiness to lead sessions. Motivation was closely tied to facilitators’ commitment to creating interdisciplinary collaboration and improving student learning outcomes. Effective communication tools, including structured prompts and guided discussion frameworks, were found to support student engagement and meaningful group interactions.

This study provides educational institutions with practical strategies for enhancing facilitator training and support, emphasizing the importance of tailored preparation, motivational reinforcement, and effective communication techniques. These findings contribute to the development of stronger interdisciplinary collaboration and enriched student learning experiences in IPE settings.