Interprofessional day encourages
interaction
On Jan. 20, approximately 630 MUSC students participated in a
mandatory, half-day training experience. It was part of the campus’
introduction to exploring the values of an interdisciplinary team
approach to health care. 
College of Medicine
faculty facilitator Dr. Amy Blue meets with her student group as part
of Interprofessional Day's breakout sessions Jan. 20.This type of interprofessional education and training is the first of its kind offered to first-year students. It is among several new educational initiatives created to enhance student learning and outcomes.
Students reported and assembled at multiple locations around MUSC’s campus. Participants picked up their program packet, which outlined the agenda and viewed a 20-minute, campus-produced video. The video followed a fictional patient’s journey from diagnosis to treatment and the contributions of multiple health care providers involved in that patient’s care.
Following the video, students were divided into sub-groups for breakout sessions in multiple activity sites. Groups, led by faculty and student facilitators, shared information and discussed issues involving the team approach to health care. The event concluded with a post-test and evaluations.
The effort was the result of a campuswide collaboration between an multidisciplinary planning group composed of faculty and students and approved by university administration and leadership from each of the six colleges.
As an interprofessional day participant, how does this enhance learning?
Michael Snyder, student participant,
College of Dental Medicine
“I
think this training will be helpful to all of us down the line. It’s
important that we learn how to value the contributions of other health
professionals. As future practitioners, it will be especially important
as we begin to refer out our patients to other specialists.”Dr. Holly Wise, faculty facilitator,
College of Health Professions—Physical Therapy Program
“It
provided a necessary, foundational appreciation of other health
professionals. It was a good beginning to meeting people and making new
friends. It’s my hope that this experience will improve health care by
preparing practitioners to be more effective and efficient in all areas
of practice. Hopefully, this knowledge will contribute to improving
health care in all communities.”Christine Reyes, student facilitator,
College of Health Professions—Occupational Therapy
“This
provided an excellent showcase to a team concept that all health care
students should be able to participate and enjoy. I hope that it
becomes part of something that will continue to be positive and
ongoing. Organizers would like to see it extend to additional focus
groups and other activities supported by students.” Leslie Robinson, student facilitator,
College of Pharmacy
“This
training was a great start and good beginning for students as they
learn and understand the roles of other professionals. It was an
effective and beneficial building block to understanding
interdisciplinary teams.”Friday, Jan. 27, 2006
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