Approaching undergraduate interprofessional education (IPE) from a holistic program design perspective: an umbrella review

This umbrella review explores systematic reviews relating to interprofessional education implementation within the undergraduate, higher education health and social care context. The aim was to identify curriculum design factors underpinning holistic program level planning that may help to scaffold the integration of interprofessional competency development. The review was undertaken in alignment with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement and in accordance with recommendations outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Electronic databases CINAHL Ultimate, MEDLINE, and ERIC were searched using the PICo strategy and keywords. The search generated 34 potential articles. Following the exclusion of duplicates and through screening out articles unrelated to the PICo framework, 17 full text systematic reviews were identified for inclusion exploring different aspects of IPE implementation within undergraduate, pre-registration education. The review and discussion generated design recommendations to be considered by higher education providers and curriculum planners aiming to implement sustainable interprofessional education practices.