Document Type

Article

Abstract

Background: This study assesses the impact of an Interprofessional Education (IPE) program (which included simulated case presentations), on the 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 on students ́ self-rating of IP competence, and no significant differences were observed between disciplines in the degree of improvement in perceived competence. Faculty-completed rubrics of students’ IP work products revealed average (SMART goal criteria) to outstanding (interprofessional criteria) performance.

Discussion:Based on the outcome data from two years, students participating in the IPE program showed statistically 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 for students to learn about interprofessional practices, and create opportunities to practice skills necessary for the interprofessional collaboration required in their future careers.

Publication Date

8-21-2025

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