Enhancing interprofessional competence among Speech Pathology, Nursing, Social Work, and Psychology students using simulated case presentations

Abstract

Background: The study sought to assess the impact of an Interprofessional Education (IPE) program, which included simulated case presentations, on perceived competence and quality of interprofessional (IP) work products of undergraduate social work, nursing, psychology students and graduate students in speech-language pathology.

Methods: Participants included 123 students, who participated in IP colloquiums through reviewing clinical cases, developing IP assessment and treatment goals, and presenting these to fellow students and faculty. Pre and post testing using IPEC Competency Self-Assessment Tool was used for assessment. For each colloquium, the students from all disciplines also submitted a single worksheet for their assigned case, which outlined two to three short-term goals, functional patient-centered outcomes, intervention steps, and professionals involved for each goal. The quality of the IP goals worksheet was assessed by faculty using a rubric, which examined whether each goal was interprofessional, patient-centered, met SMART criteria, and whether the suggested interventions were appropriate.

Results: Significant improvement was observed after participation in the IP Colloquium from pre- to post test, however, there was no significant difference were observed among disciplines in the degree of improvement in perceived competence. Faculty completed rubrics of students IP goals revealed average to outstanding performance.

Discussion: Based on the outcome data from two years, students participating in the IPE program showed significant gains in their self-ratings of IP competence from pre- to post-ratings. Additionally, students showed similar levels of improvement from pre- to post-ratings, regardless of their major or program of study. IPE programs can provide opportunities to learn about interprofessional practice and create opportunities to practice skills necessary for the interprofessional collaboration needed in their future careers.