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Facilitating transdisciplinary teamwork in dietetics education: a case study approach
A Russell Smith1, Catherine Christie
1Department of Athletic Training and Physical Therapy, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association
|June 4, 2004
Summary
Interprofessional education enhances healthcare teamwork by connecting physical therapy and nutrition students. This case study improved understanding of roles and communication, fostering a patient safety culture.
Area of Science:
- Health Professions Education
- Patient Safety
- Transdisciplinary Healthcare
Background:
- Healthcare education often remains siloed within single disciplines.
- This limits the development of a collaborative, transdisciplinary approach essential for patient safety.
- A need exists to bridge disciplinary gaps in health professions training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To foster interprofessional learning between graduate physical therapy and nutrition students.
- To enhance students' understanding of other disciplines' roles.
- To improve students' ability to analyze patient cases collaboratively and communicate across professions.
Main Methods:
- A case-study assignment was designed for graduate physical therapy and nutrition students.
- Physical therapy students interviewed nutrition students acting as consultants for patient case scenarios.
- This facilitated direct professional interaction and information exchange.
Main Results:
- Students reported increased understanding of the roles of other disciplines.
- Communication skills across professional boundaries were enhanced.
- Learners gained insight into barriers affecting transdisciplinary collaboration.
Conclusions:
- The interactive case-study assignment proved effective for interprofessional learning.
- This approach can facilitate a culture of patient safety through improved teamwork.
- Further research is recommended to explore the impact of such instructional activities.