An Interprofessional Interactive Case-Based Discussion Session for Healthcare Professions Students

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND: Interprofessional education (IPE) prepares future health professional learners for IP collaboration and teamwork and can navigate the existing organizational culture, enhance patient safety, reduce errors, and improve the quality of care for patients through collaborative care and practice. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This study of IPE sessions with students from 10 healthcare programs was conducted during a virtual IPE day across three consecutive years (2021-23). The session involved active learning through a small-group problem solving session with a five-point Likert scale pre- and post-survey instruments. The change in student perceptions of interprofessional education and comfort with working with other healthcare professionals was assessed with 62.96% of health professions learners attending the sessions between 2021-2023. Learners (87.5%) agreed that the session strengthened their stance on practicing an approach to discuss treatment plans with other healthcare providers. Qualitative analysis reported emphasis on communication (28%) and collaboration (18%) as key threads. CONCLUSION: Learners recognized the importance of communication in IPE settings for teamwork and collaboration for continuity of care and patient safety. The virtual methods of the session enabled participants from different geographical campuses to engage in the IPE.