Assessing the value of selected organizational characteristics on IPE success at a sample of big 10 universities: A multi-case qualitative analysis

Existing research indicates that selected organizational characteristics are important to an institution's successful Interprofessional education (IPE) effort. However, the relationship between those factors and successful IPE efforts are not completely described. The aim of this multi-case study is to explore particular IPE leaders' perceptions of the nature of these relationships at their respective academic institutions. Case descriptions of IPE efforts at seven large universities were analyzed through qualitative analysis and modified Delphi consensus building to explore these relationships. Our research suggests that a “holistic” approach to creating the proper organizational structure is needed. A centralized administrative structure managed by a strong leadership team with adequate resources is necessary at the beginning of the IPE effort to manage stakeholders and perform the strategic planning. This structure provides support to the leadership team's subsequent development of programs needed to reach the faculty and learner participation levels necessary to create a successful, sustainable IPE outcome.