The Use of the RE-AIM Model to Evaluate Interprofessional Education

The purpose of this presentation is to share the development of an evaluation framework for Interprofessional Education (IPE) using the RE-AIM Model (Glasgow et al., 1999). This session aligns with the theme of Innovations in Interprofessional Learning and the request for evaluation work. As the IPE movement has grown, there have been calls to develop effective evaluation processes (Blue et al., 2015). Unfortunately, there has been little progress in sharing IPE evaluation best practices (King & Violato, 2021). What has been shared largely focuses on single IPE experiences (e.g., Reeves & Barr, 2016; Reeves et al., 2015, 2017; Shrader et al., 2016). Adopting a program evaluation approach that collects data on multiple factors that impact the success of an institution’s IPE programming allows stakeholders to identify barriers, as well as opportunities to increase effectiveness. Disseminating these evaluation approaches is needed to develop models of collecting data that promote confidence in identifying best practices. Though the RE-AIM model was developed for use in Public Health, its structure and components provide utility to IPE evaluation. RE-AIM stands for Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance. Each factor represents a construct to evaluate with mixed-methodological approaches to better determine the value of a program.

The presentation will start with a discussion of the current state of assessment and evaluation in IPE. The background and framework of the RE-AIM model will then be shared, along with the context of our institution, IPE efforts, and evaluation needs. After presenting the RE-AIM framework, participants will work through each aspect of the RE-AIM model identifying critical evaluation questions and data to gather. To promote this work, each participant will receive an electronic worksheet that explains the model, provides direction, and has prompts to aid in documenting ideas on how to utilize RE-AIM at their institution. The systematic approach of working through the model concurrent to participants’ brainstorming will provide learners the opportunity to identify barriers and implementation opportunities. Just-in-time polling, small group discussion, and time for large group question-and-answer will all be employed to illuminate the diverse ways that RE-AIM can be used.

At the end of the seminar, participants will outline steps to use for their own IPE experiences, including what to measure, who to involve, and needed next steps. Participants can expect that by the end of the session they will gain the ability to accurately and convincingly articulate the importance of developing a deliberate and thorough evaluation plan. Participants will also be able to describe the RE-AIM model, its strengths, weaknesses, and utility through their engagement with the session.

Lastly, participants will begin creating an evaluation approach of their own that uses the RE-AIM model. The use of the RE-AIM framework creates opportunities to assess, evaluate, and progress IPE--this collaborative presentation will begin to promote efforts to design, implement, and share effective evaluation plans.