An innovative interprofessional curricular model for diverse partners who team up to support behavior change in...

This project introduced nursing and graduate health sciences and psychology students to interprofessional education (IPE) concepts and engaged them in interprofessional skill-building. Exposure to and immersion in IPE competencies were accomplished through online modules, case workshops, and simulation-based experiences. Rather than having an acute care focus, these diverse IPE students engaged in teamwork to plan and prioritize lifestyle change. Evaluation over a 3-year period resulted in an 8-week 1 credit course that includes online modules and case content focused on chronic disease management in response to the challenge of aging populations' increased longevity and chronic disease burden. Sample size was too small to make broad conclusions; however, we strongly recommend that IPE competencies be achieved using a developmental approach that includes not just exposure to the concept of collaborative practice but also immersion experiences that provide opportunities in skill-building for shared decision-making and teamwork.