Implementing and evaluating an interprofessional minority health conference for social work and healthcare professionals

ABSTRACT

Interprofessional education (IPE) is one strategy for addressing health inequities; however, little attention has been paid to continuing IPE for practicing social work and healthcare professionals. This article offers guidance to faculty in social work and health-related academic units on offering continuing IPE on the topic of minority health. An interprofessional group of faculty offered a day-long conference on minority health, ethics, and social justice. The conference goal was to promote interprofessional communication in a co-learning environment and promote dialogue on social determinants of health and health equity in the state. Data were obtained from surveys and analysis of work plans developed during the conference. Workshop participants were majority White (62%), social workers (79%), and practiced for 14 years on average. The most useful topics were dementia and polypharmacy. Takeaway strategies included interprofessional work, being mindful of access to resources, and engagement in continuing education. Lessons learned include plan in advance for all professions; recruit faculty and students from multiple departments to increase interprofessional diversity; offer strategies and incentives to increase student participation; be strategic about conference location and format; and identify a strategic format and theme. IPE is a means of preparing learners for working together in their future careers to provide high-quality patient-centred care and reduce health disparities. Professional development can provide an opportunity to enhance skills to address health disparities, and learning can be significantly enhanced when participants connect with colleagues from different professions, discuss diverse opinions, and share successful practices.

KEYWORDS:

• Continuing education
• evaluation
• interprofessional education
• minority health

Acknowledgements

The authors thank CEU Concepts of Georgia for conference logistics assistance and the Minority Health Conference participants for sharing their experiences and perspectives. This work was supported by the University of Georgia Center for Social Justice, Human and Civil Rights. The authors acknowledge the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health Minority Health Conference for their dedication to minority health.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

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