Introduction:
Interprofessional teamwork is pivotal in modern healthcare,
prompting the establishment of interprofessional training wards since 1996. While these wards serve as hubs for optimizing healthcare professional collaboration and communication, research into patient outcomes remains notably sparse and geographically limited, predominantly examining patient satisfaction and sparingly exploring other metrics like mortality or self-discharge rates. This study seeks to bridge this gap, comparing patient outcomes in interprofessional training wards and conventional wards under the hypothesis that the former offers no disadvantage to patient outcomes.

Materials and methods:
We explored patient outcomes within an interprofessional student ward called A-STAR at a University Hospital from October 2019 to December 2022. Engaging with patients discharged between May 2021 and April 2022, we utilized digital and paper-based anonymous questionnaires, catering to patient preference, to gather pertinent data.

Results:
Analysis of outcomes for 1,482 A-STAR (interprofessional student ward)
and 5,752 conventional ward patients revealed noteworthy findings. A-STAR
patients tended to be younger (59 vs. 61 years, p < 0.01) and more frequently
male (73.5% vs. 70.4%, p = 0.025). Vital clinical outcomes, such as discharges
against medical advice, complication-driven readmissions, and ICU transfers,
were statistically similar between groups, as were mortality rates (1.2% vs. 1.3%,
p = 0.468). A-STAR demonstrated high patient satisfaction, underscored by
positive reflections on team competence, ward atmosphere, and responsiveness
to concerns, emphasizing the value placed on interprofessional collaboration.
Patient narratives commended team kindness, lucid explanations, and proactive
involvement.

Discussion:
This data collectively underscores the safety and reliability of
patient care within training wards, affirming that patients can trust the care
provided in these settings. Patients on the interprofessional ward demonstrated
high satisfaction levels: 96.7% appreciated the atmosphere and conduct of ward
rounds. In comparison, 98.3% were satisfied with the discussion and information about their treatment during their hospital stay.