Fostering Inter-Professional Education through Service Learning: The Belize Experience

Area of Science:

• Experiential learning
• Health professions education
• Interprofessional education

Background:

• Service-learning and interprofessional education are key experiential learning methods.
• These approaches aim to build student confidence and professional skills.
• Integrating these methods offers a unique educational opportunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the benefits of interprofessional education within a service-learning context.
• To assess student perspectives on professional development, interprofessional collaboration, and cultural awareness.
• To evaluate student satisfaction with this integrated experiential learning model.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study utilizing a post-service learning survey.
• Quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were employed.
• The survey focused on student experiences in a service-learning setting.

Main Results:

• Service-learning enhanced cultural awareness and professional skills.
• Students reported increased positive team attitudes and role perceptions.
• Occupational and physical therapy students showed improved understanding of each other's roles.

Conclusions:

• Combined service-learning and interprofessional education effectively foster professional growth.
• This model enhances cultural competence and interprofessional collaboration among students.
• The experience positively impacted students' views on teamwork and professional identity.