A pilot IPE workshop integrating OT, pharmacy, PT, and PA programs

Abstract

Background and purpose: This article describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of an interprofessional education (IPE) experience.

Educational activity and setting: The IPE experience included 53 student learners from occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, and physician assistant programs at the University of the Sciences (USciences). This experience used an icebreaker activity and a stroke case-based activity as the activities within the workshop. The core faculty utilized the jigsaw technique to increase student confidence with uni-profession and interprofessional discussions of the patient case. Learners were asked to evaluate their perceptions of the IPE learning experience.

Findings: Results from a summative quality improvement evaluation indicated that learners had positive perceptions of this curricular innovation.

Discussion: This pilot IPE workshop illustrates the possibilities for collaboration among health professional programs at USciences, a private health sciences university without an affiliated medical center.

Summary: Discussion of the process to create, implement, and evaluate this pilot IPE activity is imperative due to increased expectations within professional accrediting guidelines in regards to IPE.

Keywords: Interprofessional education; Occupational therapy; Pharmacy; Physical therapy; Physician assistant.