Validation of a Very Brief Assessment of Interprofessional Collaborative Practice Skill Gains: ICCAS-Q21

Abstract

Introduction. Assessing interprofessional education (IPE) learning experience effectiveness for developing interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) skill ability is important; however, current assessment measures pose considerable time burdens to respondents and learning experience logistics. Review of Literature. The Interprofessional Collaborative Competencies Attainment Survey (ICCAS) is a frequently used measure for self-assessed IPCP skill ability. The ICCAS instrument is administered after an interprofessional learning experience and uses a retrospective pretest/posttest design to assess 20 items and includes one additional item assessing overall skill gain (ICCAS-Q21). Although the total ICCAS score can reveal changes in IPCP abilities after an IPE learning experience, a brief measure may facilitate assessment with greater efficiency. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the ICCAS-Q21 has the psychometric properties to serve as a stand-alone assessment instrument of self-assessed change in ability to perform the IPEC core competency skills. Subjects. Complete ICCAS scores were analyzed from 1,480 students from 12 different health professions programs (Fall 2019 [n = 807] and Spring 2020 [n = 673]). Methods. The ICCAS was completed after 2 in-person IPE forums. Total ICCAS pretest, posttest, and pretest–posttest difference (gain) scores were determined. Interprofessional Collaborative Competencies Attainment Survey interitem reliabilities were assessed, and Pearson correlations were conducted with ICCAS-Q21 and the total ICCAS pretest, posttest, and gain scores. Results. Total ICCAS scores increased after each IPE forum (P < .001). High internal consistency was observed among all items of the ICCAS. Interprofessional Collaborative Competencies Attainment Survey-Q21 was highly correlated with ICCAS gain scores (Fall r = .431, Spring r = .468; P < .001). Discussion and Conclusion. Interprofessional Collaborative Competencies Attainment Survey-Q21, a single-item assessment instrument, has psychometric properties that warrant its use to evaluate the self-assessed change in IPE core competency skill ability and is a good proxy for the full ICCAS instrument. This brief assessment instrument provides additional flexibility in assessment techniques for IPCP learning experiences.