In order to address the social, biological and psychological risks to older adults aging in place, a multidisciplinary approach to support successful aging is needed. Furthermore, students in various disciplinary programs can develop knowledge and skills to address the needs of older adults that cross professional silos. This presentation will describe an interprofessional initiative that aimed to: (1) support older adults and caregivers to access resources to enhance health and well-being and (2) cultivate an understanding among professional students about the skills and knowledge health care professionals bring to community-based interventions for older adults. Forty-three students from twelve programs in one university engaged in the development of wellness resources across a four-month period through regular interprofessional, faculty-led dialog and learning activities. These collaborative learning sessions commenced in a community-based interprofessional wellness fair for older adults, caregivers, and service providers. The presentation will share intentional collaborative learning activities developed to support students to reflect upon their own professions and explore the role of other professions in meeting the needs of older adults living in the community. Furthermore, outcomes measured to evaluate this initiative will be shared, including interprofessional education experiences and interprofessional socialization with student participants and wellness fair attendee satisfaction.
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.
