Collaboration in action: successful implementation of a learner-driven virtual interprofessional education curriculum in the clinical learning environment

ABSTRACT

Though technological capabilities to provide high-quality, flexible interprofessional education (IPE) have continued to grow, this remains a largely undeveloped area in the clinical learning environment (CLE). To address this gap, the University of Minnesota launched the Collaboration in Action: Learner-Driven Curriculum (CIA-LDC) as an IPE model designed for sustainability in a post-pandemic world. Over the course of two academic years, the CIA-LDC framework evolved and expanded through an iterative, data-informed approach incorporating student feedback, academic programme co-creation, evolving literature, and lessons learned. Modifications to individual activities and the overall model are presented, as well as key lessons learned. The majority of CIA-LDC evaluation responses across 2 years agreed that the amount of time spent was reasonable, participation placed little to no burden on their preceptor or site, the experience supported target interprofessional competency development, and that IPE should be provided in the CLE. The CIA-LDC holds promise as a successful, quality model for IPE in the CLE, available to learners from any profession in any geographic location in any practice setting. Outcomes demonstrate a pedagogical design with buy-in and feasibility in a post-pandemic world, with tremendous potential for advanced educational research to prepare the next generation as a collaborative practice-ready workforce.

KEYWORDS:

• Clinical learning environment
• collaborative practice
• health professionals
• interprofessional education
• virtual learning

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported that there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Sara North

Sara North is Co-Director of the Center for Interprofessional Health at the University of Minnesota and Director of Educational Innovation and Evaulation and Associate Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA.

Roni Lafky

Roni Lafky is the Interprofessional Experiential Engagement Specialist for the Center of Intrprofessional Health at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.

Bonnie Horgos

Bonnie Horgos is a Graduate Assistant in the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.

Cheri Friedrich

Cheri Friedrich is Co-Director of the Center for Interprofessional Health at the University of Minnesota and Director of the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program and Clinical Professor in the School of Nursing, Minneapolis, MN, USA.