Student Attitudes and Readiness Outcomes of a Community-Based Interprofessional Education (IPE) Program Focused on Practice Change Innovation, Year One

Kimble, Susan J.

Wednesday, 24 July 2013: 11:10 AM

Susan J. Kimble, DNP, RN, ANP-BC
School of Nursing, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
Margaret Brommelsiek, PhD
School of Nursing, UMKC, Kansas City, MS

Learning Objective 1: Discuss opportunities for developing IPE community engagement.

Learning Objective 2: Develop effective clinical student measurements for IPE clinical projects.

Background: This project created an Interprofessional Collaborative Practice Model (IPCP) at two community-based urban clinics extending classroom IPE experiences. IPE is a growing area of interest in the healthcare professions, focused on roles/responsibilities; values/ethics; communication, and teamwork (IPE Expert Panel Report, 2011). The project provided innovative opportunities, placing health professionals and graduate students from the UMKC’s Schools of Nursing, Dentistry, and Pharmacy. The objective was improving health outcomes in patient centered care through IPCP which provided primary, preventative, and mental health care services to underserved populations. Both clinics are located in a health professional shortage area serving an urban population living at 50% at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, approximately 41% of patients are uninsured with 39% receiving Medicaid (RWJF, 2011).

Methods: Data was acquired regarding students’ attitudes and readiness about IPE, and how over time, those attitudes changed as a result of IPCP placement. The hypothesis was that attitudes and readiness become more positive following IPE experiences. A series of pre/post surveys was administered to student participants during semester-long clinical rotations. Pre/post-tests included the Attitudes Toward Health Care Teams Scale, Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale, Team Skills Scale, and Cultural Competence Assessment with the Team Fitness Test added post-test. Comparison data was analyzed between the pre/post test results.

Results: Collected data measured the effectiveness of the IPE activities which resulted in team informed care decisions regarding vulnerable patient populations. A secondary outcome was of improved communication. The project created a platform for open and honest communication and building a culture of trust. This impacted both health delivery and desired patient outcomes.

Conclusions: This project is on-going, survey outcomes will inform future IPE curriculum. Assessment of the survey data will assist additional curricular content for this cohort, with strategies in preparing future leaders for the healthcare arena.

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