The World Health Organization (WHO) states that interprofessional collaborative practice happens when multiple health workers from different professional backgrounds work together with patients, families, and communities to deliver the highest quality of care. There is increasing evidence that healthcare delivery through interprofessional practice (IPP) improves patient outcomes. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS) is a leader in the field of interprofessional education (IPE) and is devoted to providing interprofessional courses and clinical experiences. The university has been teaching students in multiple medical disciplines the foundations of interprofessionalism since 2004. However, there is little evidence to support the operationalization of IPE into IPP. Therefore, the study investigated the effectiveness of the IPE curriculum, does IPP contribute to ongoing IPP, and who are IP team members. To answer these questions a 15-item survey was distributed to RFUMS alumni who graduated between the years of 2011 - 2019. Two hundred and eighty-two RFUMS alumni participated in the study. The participating professions represented allopathic physicians, physician assistants, psychologists, clinical counselors, pathologists’ assistants, podiatrists, pharmacists, nurse anesthetists, and physical therapists. The quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistical analysis and qualitative data was analyzed by means of thematic analysis. The study concluded that practical clinical experiences were the most effective IPE curricular components and that the RFUMS IPE curriculum effectively developed communication skills, learning from, collaboration, and the understanding of IPP and scope of practice across the healthcare professions. Findings suggested that RFUMS develops a comprehensive interprofessional curriculum and produces interprofessional practice-ready healthcare professionals. The IPE curriculum endorses future IPP, coordination of care, respect, and sharing of knowledge. Participants practice in a variety of healthcare settings, communities, and consider many healthcare professions as members of their interprofessional team.
In support of improving patient care, this activity is planned and implemented by The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education Office of Interprofessional Continuing Professional Development (OICPD). The OICPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
As a Jointly Accredited Provider, the OICPD is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The OICPD maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive continuing education credits.
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.
Physicians: The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education designates this live activity for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
Physician Assistants: The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME.
Nurses: Participants will be awarded contact hours of credit for attendance at this workshop.
Nurse Practitioners: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME and ANCC.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians: This activity is approved for contact hours.
Social Workers: As a Jointly Accredited Organization, the National Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The National Center maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive continuing education credits.
IPCE: This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change
