The COVID-19 pandemic has created an opportunity to intermingle real-life crisis decision-making with team skill building using IPE methodology. During this online, IPE competence workshop, students from colleges of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and health professions created proposals to address needs in the time of COVID-19, focusing on family life, vulnerable populations, societal wellness, and supply chain. In order to stimulate better understanding of system-based considerations and others’ professional responsibilities during a pandemic, students were assigned to a variety of roles with “job descriptions” that they would enact in small interprofessional teams during the workshop. Pre-briefing included a review of IPEC domains, quadruple aim goals, patient- and family-centered care core concepts, and the current status of and response to COVID-19 in the state. Social determinants of health provided context for COVID-19-related stressors. After pre-briefing, teams of students were placed in online breakout rooms to develop their proposals, using the perspective of their assigned role. After 45 minutes, a designated spokesperson from each team presented the proposal. Teams developed cohesive proposals for the four topics according to a structured guide which they presented to all workshop attendees for questions and feedback. The majority of students agreed or strongly agreed that the workshop increased knowledge of other professions, improved teamwork, and identified areas for improved communication with other professionals and patients/public. Overall, students enjoyed the experience, although the online environment posed challenges for students who typically attended face-to-face activities. Some students felt unprepared, although most indicated the “job descriptions” and pre-briefing provided adequate context. Additional results and lessons learned for building IPE events to address real life issues will be shared.
In support of improving patient care, this activity is planned and implemented by The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education. The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
As a Jointly Accredited Provider, the National Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The National Center maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive continuing education credits.
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.
