An evaluation of an interprofessional practice-based learning environment using student reflections

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Interprofessional Practice
• Community Health

Background:

• The 12th Street Health and Wellness Center is a student-led, community-based clinic.
• It serves an underserved community, offering healthcare services through interprofessional student teams.
• Students from various University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences colleges collaborate in patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key themes from student reflections on their experiences.
• To describe learning outcomes within an interprofessional practice environment.
• To understand student development in patient care and teamwork.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 380 reflection statements using constant comparative approach and open coding.
• Three researchers identified and categorized themes from student reflections.
• Key phrases were coded to the Interprofessional Education Collaborative competency domains.

Main Results:

• Eight major themes emerged, highlighting students' self-perceived development.
• Themes illuminated growth in practice-based learning and interprofessional collaboration.
• Students perceived the center as a valuable environment for applying interprofessional knowledge.

Conclusions:

• The clinic effectively serves as a practice-based learning environment.
• It provides opportunities for students to learn, integrate, and apply interprofessional curricular content.
• Student reflections indicate positive learning outcomes in interprofessional collaboration and patient care.