A Case-Based, Brief, Intensive Interprofessional Education Experience for School Practitioners.

Area of Science:

• Interprofessional Education (IPE)
• Healthcare Education
• Allied Health Professions

Background:

• Healthcare and education professionals collaborate in schools.
• There is a need for effective interprofessional training for students.
• Preparing students for collaborative practice is essential for client care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a preservice interprofessional activity on student perceptions.
• To assess changes in interdisciplinary attitudes among allied health and education students.
• To identify key components of interprofessional experiences that resonate with students.

Main Methods:

• An interprofessional activity was designed for students in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, social work, and education.
• Students participated in designing an intervention program for a child with complex needs.
• The Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS) was administered pre- and post-activity, alongside qualitative reflection analysis.

Main Results:

• Quantitative analysis of IEPS scores showed a statistically significant improvement in interdisciplinary perceptions.
• Qualitative thematic analysis of student reflections corroborated the positive shift in attitudes.
• Students reported high engagement with student-led discussions and small group work.

Conclusions:

• Brief, intensive preservice interprofessional experiences can positively influence students' interprofessional attitudes.
• Student-led discussions and small group interactions are particularly effective components of IPE.
• This model demonstrates a viable approach to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration skills in future professionals.