EducHealth253204-3842767_104027.pdf (272.89 kB)
Training Future Health Providers to Care for the Underserved: A Pilot Interprofessional Experience
journal contribution
posted on 2014-01-27, 00:00 authored by Memoona Hasnain, Michael J. Koronkowski, Diane M. Kondratowicz, Kristen L. GoliakIntroduction: Interprofessional teamwork is essential for effective delivery of health care to all patients, particularly the vulnerable and
underserved. This brief communication describes a pilot interprofessional learning experience designed to introduce medicine and pharmacy
students to critical health issues affecting at-risk, vulnerable patients and helping students learn the value of functioning effectively in
interprofessional teams. Methods: With reflective practice as an overarching principle, readings, writing assignments, a community-based
immersion experience, discussion seminars, and presentations were organized to cultivate students’ insights into key issues impacting the
health and well-being of vulnerable patients. A written program evaluation form was used to gather students’ feedback about this learning
experience. Results: Participating students evaluated this learning experience positively. Both quantitative and qualitative input indicated
the usefulness of this learning experience in stimulating learners’ thinking and helping them learn to work collaboratively with peers from
another discipline to understand and address health issues for at-risk, vulnerable patients within their community. Discussion: Th is pilot
educational activity helped medicine and pharmacy students learn the value of functioning effectively in interprofessional teams. Given the
importance of interprofessional teamwork and the increasing need to respond to the health needs of underserved populations, integrating
interprofessional learning experiences in health professions training is highly relevant, feasible, and critically needed.
Funding
Funding for this interprofessional educational project was provided [in part] by the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research (APTR).
History
Publisher Statement
This is a copy of an article published in the Education for Health © 2012 Medknow PublicationsPublisher
Medknow PublicationsLanguage
- en_US