How do Vietnamese healthcare students perceive the role of health workers? Changes in students' stereotypes before and after university-level interprofessional education

Vietnam's health care system is increasingly recognizing the importance of interprofessional education (IPE). Understanding stereotypes among healthcare professionals is critical to fostering successful collaboration, yet little is known about the impact of IPE on stereotypes. This study evaluated health professions students' stereotypes of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and rehabilitation therapy before and after participating in an IPE program. Students completed an online survey at two points: before and after the IPE course at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City in 2021. Data collected included demographics, the Student Stereotypes Rating Questionnaire (SSRQ), and the 19-item Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale. A total of 163 students completed both online surveys (80.7% completion rate). Total SSRQ scores for all professions increased significantly after the IPE course (p < .05; effect size Cohen's dz = 0.3-0.4). Factors associated with stereotype change were also explored. Although healthcare students improved their perceptions of each profession, certain stereotypes persisted - for example, medicine was viewed more highly than other professions, and nursing and rehabilitation were viewed as less capable of leadership and independent work. Further research is needed to develop targeted interventions to address these stereotypes and improve interprofessional collaboration.