The effect of episodic interprofessional education activities embedded within physical therapy and occupational therapy curricula

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to determine the effect of interprofessional education (IPE) activities on professional level occupational and physical therapy student perception of their competency and their actual observed competency in interprofessional collaboration. The effect of three IPE activities embedded within occupational therapy and physical therapy curricula were measured. Significant changes were noted in the students’ perception of their interprofessional collaboration using the Interprofessional Collaborative Competencies Attainment Survey (ICCAS) Revised tool, following each of the three activities. Analysis of the Interprofessional Collaborator Assessment Rubric (ICAR)-Modified revealed “expected” proficiency level with no significant difference between occupational and physical therapy students. The study found from a program evaluation perspective that IPE activities generate immediate positive changes, but longitudinal or cumulative development was not detected. This program evaluation also supports the need for an IPE assessment to measure and track longitudinal development of interprofessional collaborative competencies across the curriculum.

KEYWORDS:

• Program evaluation
• physical therapy
• occupational therapy
• collaboration competencies
• curriculum
• interprofessional education

Acknowledgments

This project was funded by [Blinded] University’s Health Profession Division Research Grant # 335923.

The authors thank M. Samuel Cheng, Professor and Director of PhD Program in the Department of Physical Therapy at Nova Southeastern University for his assistance with data analysis and critical reading of this article.

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Nova Southeastern University [335923].

Notes on contributors

Kim B. Smith

Kim B. Smith is an Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education with the Department of Physical Therapy in the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences at Nova Southeastern University.

W. B. Stav

Wendy B. Stav is a Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Doisy College of Health Science at Saint Louis University. Her research is focused on occupation-based practice.

S.E. Blaylock

Sarah E. Blaylock is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Jacksonville University. Her research focuses on low vision rehabilitation and interprofessional practice.

N. A. Aldridge

Nardia Aldridge is an Associate Professor with the Department of Occupational Therapy in the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences at Nova Southeastern University. Her research focuses on increasing diversity in the profession and interprofessional education and collaboration.

R. Massad

Rania Massad is an Assistant Professor and Neurologic Residency Coordinator with the Department of Physical Therapy in the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences at Nova Southeastern University