Enhancing Primary Care by Investing in Interprofessional Education: The SPLICE Project

The System-transforming, Patient centered Longitudinal Interprofessional Community-based Education (SPLICE) Initiative was a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) funded project designed to educate and train health professions learners in team-based primary care within a clinical environment. The SPLICE project team developed multiple learning activities including case studies and simulations that integrated the IPEC Core Competencies within clinical scenarios. The interprofessional aspects were also modeled by faculty facilitators from different professions. Each activity was thoroughly evaluated by the learners using mixed methods processes including data from retrospective pretest-posttest self-assessments, open-ended surveys, and focus groups. Faculty, staff, and learners invested countless hours of volunteer time due to the enthusiasm and passion for the work supported with HRSA funding to implement and evaluate the SPLICE initiative. Outcomes include the development of an enhanced primary care simulation template; the creation of 21 unique primary care simulations that integrated the IPEC competencies; improved confidence and competence in over 700 learners; over 110 faculty trained in simulation and debriefing skills; clinical skills training for Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) staff; improved quality improvement processes at a local FQHC; and a high rate of retention of the graduates in primary care. This project demonstrated a significant return on the investment beyond the initial HRSA funding.