Interprofessional Collaboration: An Evaluation of Social Work Students’ Skills and Experiences in Integrated Health Care

ABSTRACT

Evidence shows that when an interprofessional (IP) approach is effectively implemented, it can counteract some of our most pressing health care problems. One such challenge is the lack of training in IP teamwork health care professionals receive during their education. Using a quasi-experimental matched comparison group design, this study assessed pre- and posttest changes in IP knowledge, attitudes, and skills of MSW students (N = 52) from 2015–2017, who received a specialized curriculum, and clinical internships working in IP teams, compared to an internal control group involving clinical IP teams alone. Two validated measures assessed changes in students’ IP knowledge, values, and skills. Quantitative findings and qualitative responses to open-ended questions elucidate barriers and facilitative factors in IP teams.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Health Resources and Service Administration, Behavioral Health Workforce and Training Program (BHWET) under grant number GO2HP27790 Health Resources and Services Administration.

Notes on contributors

Lisa de Saxe Zerden

Lisa de Saxe Zerden is the senior associate dean of MSW Education and an associate professor, Anne Jones is a retired professor, Steven Day is a research associate professor, and Brianna M. Lombardi is an assistant professor at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.