Inter-Professional Education: Inter-professional learning experience of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry Residency students.

Background: The basic objective of the study was to explore the inter-professional learning experience of clinical psychology and psychiatry residency students. Method: The researchers used a cross-sectional research design. This study was conducted in Addis Ababa University, at the School of Medicine, in the College of Health Science, Department of Psychiatry where both clinical psychology and Psychiatry Residence programs are provided. Purposefully selected 9 participants; 5 clinical psychology and 4 psychiatry residents’ inter-professional learning experiences were explored. A descriptive qualitative study using thematic analysis was conducted. Data was obtained with semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically. Data collection and analysis were concurrent. Result: The Result of the study indicated three themes and five sub-themes emerged from the data describing the experiences of clinical psychology and psychiatry students. The themes were: (a) IPE experience, (b) Factors affecting active participation, (c) Professional identity and IPE experience. Conclusion: To conclude IPE experiences were various and resulted from an interaction of many factors. Despite the limitations, IPE experience provides many opportunities compared to Uni-professional learning experience. Inequality in professional status between participants negatively affects the IPE experience. Learning experiences require a balanced two-way interactive learning between participants. In the initial phase of IPE, participants need a clear role assignment with a formal objective to avoid confusion and frustration. Participating in IPE is not an easy performance - the experience opens many opportunities as well as has many challenges. Recommendation: Finally, if implemented with a clear role assignment, significant supervision, and for the optimal duration of time IPE experience can help participants to develop their profession and guide them in their future work with other professionals.