The development and implementation of an interdisciplinary on-line academic course using a life course perspective

Area of Science:

• Maternal and Child Health
• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Public Health Education

Background:

• The University of Wisconsin-Madison Pediatric Pulmonary Center (UW PPC) offers interdisciplinary leadership training.
• A key component is an online course on the Interdisciplinary Care of Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN).

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an online course designed to train graduate students and professionals in the care of CSHCN.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the life course perspective (LCP) as a framework for this training.

Main Methods:

• The course content and organization were guided by the LCP.
• Trainees engaged in literature reviews, resource evaluation, and content development.
• Case-study videos followed a child with cystic fibrosis from birth to age 18, integrating LCP concepts.

Main Results:

• Student evaluations (qualitative and quantitative) were highly positive across all course areas.
• The LCP framework was successfully integrated into course content and student learning.
• The final course papers demonstrated synthesis of content through the LCP lens.

Conclusions:

• The LCP is a valuable framework for organizing and delivering content on CSHCN care.
• The course effectively educated future maternal and child health professionals on the LCP and health determinants.
• This educational model can improve understanding of health outcomes for CSHCN and their families.