Implementation and Evaluation of an Interprofessional Health Systems Science Professional Development Program.

Area of Science:

• Health Systems Science (HSS) education
• Interprofessional development programs
• Medical education and training

Background:

• Limited descriptions of interprofessional development programs focused on Health Systems Science (HSS) knowledge and skills.
• Need for structured training in HSS competencies for clinicians and trainees.
• Importance of interprofessional collaboration in improving healthcare systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation and outcomes of the HSS Academy, an interprofessional development program.
• To report preliminary outcomes of the HSS Academy on participants' HSS knowledge and skills.
• To provide strategies for adapting and implementing similar programs in other institutions.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of an 8-month active learning, project-based curriculum (HSS Academy) at Penn State College of Medicine.
• Selection of diverse interprofessional participants (physicians, medical students, nurses) and faculty.
• Curriculum focused on HSS competencies (high-value care, quality improvement, social determinants of health, etc.) and systems thinking.

Main Results:

• High completion rate (95%) for 121 participants from 2015-2021.
• Statistically significant self-perceived improvements in HSS knowledge, skills, systems thinking, and teaching abilities.
• 110 projects focused on healthcare delivery, quality improvement, and patient safety.

Conclusions:

• The HSS Academy successfully enhanced interprofessional participants' HSS knowledge and skills.
• The program provides a model for interprofessional education in Health Systems Science.
• Future steps include securing financial support, aligning stakeholder understanding, facilitating scholar impact, and fostering continued HSS work.