An interprofessional experience preparing a collaborative workforce to care for older adults

Abstract

The development and evaluation of an interprofessional education (IPE) pre-professional geriatrics experience involving learners from 10 different health discipline programs is described. The experience provided learners with opportunities to use small-group collaborative approaches in two 3-hour interprofessional sessions. Learners gained exposure to geriatric principles and awareness of the needs of older adults and their families using case studies developed by experienced interprofessional faculty. Learners completed pre- and post-experience surveys and worksheets on their confidence to function in interprofessional teams, knowledge of other disciplines, perceptions of importance of each discipline in providing older adult care, and the qualities considered for a successful team. Data were collected over three offerings of the experience (2016, 2017, 2018) and analyzed using paired sample t-tests and ANOVA. A total of 562 learners participated with outcome measures indicating increased knowledge of older adult services different health professionals provide and increased confidence in knowing when to complete care referrals. Mean increase in learners’ confidence to function in interprofessional teams was significant, suggesting the experience was effective in facilitating confidence in functioning and improving views of other disciplines’ roles. This experience demonstrated that learners gained exposure to apply geriatric principle skills and critical thinking as interprofessional team members.