Teaching for Practice: The Impact of a Large-Scale Interprofessional Foundational Program

The University of Kansas Medical Center has developed an interprofessional education (IPE) foundational program using TeamSTEPPS, a curriculum designed to improve patient care through effective communication and teamwork. The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of the Level 1 program on learners as they develop the attitudes, knowledge, and skills related to interprofessional collaborative practice.

Learners (n=715) representing 15 professions participated in the Level 1 program. A mixed-methods approach was used to assess achievement of learning objectives, learner reactions, modifications of perceptions and attitudes, acquisition of knowledge and skills, and anticipated behaviors.

Learners (n=585, 81.8%) agreed that the program was valuable. Positive changes in attitudes were significant pre-post (p<0.001). An average of 80.3% of learners who responded (n=196, 27.4%) correctly answered knowledge survey questions. Furthermore, analysis of open-ended questions suggested that learners gained an increased appreciation for interprofessional communication and better understanding of the roles of other healthcare professions.

Based on positive learner reactions, changes in attitudes and knowledge, and anticipated behaviors associated with this program, similar approaches that incorporate TeamSTEPPS early in professional curricula may be useful for foundational IPE programming due to the intentional alignment with collaborative practice and orientation towards the Quadruple Aim.