Interprofessional Collaborative Practice and Education in Oncology: Practical Applications and Experiences, From Physical Therapy Classroom to Clinic

Abstract

Oncology is a complex clinical domain that requires physical therapists (PTs) to engage in multidisciplinary collaboration to achieve optimal patient outcomes. The emerging role of PT in oncology highlights the need to include interprofessional education (IPE) and interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) during entry-level training, yet few curricular models, which integrate IPE and IPCP, exist. New clinical opportunities in oncology within our Doctor of Physical Therapist (DPT) program create a multidimensional platform for students to engage with the entire health care team to address the complex needs of this population, and to demonstrate the value of the PT as a member. Such opportunities not only meet the standards and required elements of DPT education, but are initiatives supported by the World Health Organization, and the American Physical Therapy Association. The purpose of this article is to highlight opportunities and practical strategies employed by one academic institution to integrate IPE and IPCP into their entry-level program, share lessons learned, and ideas for future development of this important topic. In our integrated curricular model, physical therapist students learn about the roles and responsibilities of each interprofessional team member, learn to share information, and collaborate during a dynamic and practical clinical environment under the supervision of faculty. Knowledge from previous didactic coursework is applied to pediatric and adult oncology survivors participating in a wellness program or group exercise class. All activities and exercises are modified based on the patients' needs and responses.