An Asynchronous Online Course to Introduce Interprofessional Education to Incoming Health Professions Students

Interprofessional practice and education (IPE) (educators and learners from ≥2 health professions) can improve patient health outcomes and is required for most health professional program accreditation. Conflicting academic schedules and space limitations are obstacles to implementing interprofessional learning experiences that prepare future clinicians for team-based care.

In February 2019, an asynchronous online course (eCUIMC) was created at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) to equip incoming health professions students to deliver team-based health care and engage in IPE without a shared space and time. eCUIMC oriented first-year students to the IPE core competencies: (1) values and ethics for interprofessional practice, (2) roles and responsibilities, (3) interprofessional communication, and (4) teams and teamwork. Participants were assigned to interprofessional teams of 8 students and 2 faculty. During a 5-day period in fall 2019 and 2020, participants completed interactive activities, performed a clinical case study, facilitated discussions, and completed a self-directed learning activity addressing structural determinants of health. Students completed a pre-post survey of beliefs and attitudes using the 21-item Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale, which uses a 7-point scale to assess the change in interprofessional socialization after interprofessional education, with 1 indicating not at all and 7 indicating to a very great extent.

A total of 1,345 participants, representing 10 different health professional programs, completed course evaluations and a pre-post survey of attitudes. Most students found the course engaging, relevant, and manageable, with 1,267 (94%) reporting increased understanding of other health professions. Mean Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale scores increased from 4.5 to 5.8 ( P < .001).

eCUIMC is a feasible and effective modality for uniting students from different health profession programs where time and space are barriers. eCUIMC is being integrated into the curriculum as an annual requirement for all 10 CUIMC health professions programs.