Community Engagement with Older Adults to Evaluate Interprofessional Education in Allied Healthcare Students

Authors

Scott Heinerichs, West Chester University of PennsylvaniaFollow
Mary Beth Gilboy, West Chester UniversityFollow
Stacie Metz, West Chester University of PennsylvaniaFollow
Melissa A. Reed, West Chester University of PennsylvaniaFollow
Barbara E. Harrison, West Chester University of PennsylvaniaFollow

Abstract

Purpose: To examine students’ perceptions of interprofessional education (IPE) as a result of their participation in a community engagement experience with older adults. Methods: Thirty-six students enrolled in the undergraduate majors of athletic training, exercise science, and nutrition participated in an 8-week fall prevention program in two community dwelling senior centers. A one-group pretest-posttest evaluation design was used to assess the IPE experience of the students. Students completed the University of the West England Interprofessional Questionnaire pre and post intervention. Results: Both pretest and posttest student self-assessments of communication and teamwork skills ranged from slightly positive to neutral (means from 2.0 to 2.6). Students reported a statistical change in attitude from neutral (M = 2.3, SD + 1.1) in the direction of slightly positive (M = 2.0, SD + 1.1) toward being able to become quickly involved in new teams/groups from pretest to posttest t (26) = 2.53, p = .018; d = 0.49. 95% of students strongly agreed or agreed that the experience enabled them to interact with an unfamiliar and unique population as well as increased their understanding of other allied healthcare disciplines as a result of participation. No individual items nor the summary score exhibited statistical improvements over time. Conclusion: Overall, the intervention was successful in describing the IPE positive experiences and attitudes of undergraduate allied healthcare students when working in a senior adult population.

Author Bio(s)

Scott Heinerichs, EdD, ATC is a Professor of Sports Medicine at West Chester University in West Chester, PA. He is also a licensed athletic trainer in the state of Pennsylvania.

Marybeth Gilboy, PhD, RN is an Associate Professor of Nutrition at West Chester University in West Chester, PA. She is also a licensed registered dietitian in the state of Pennsylvania.

Stacie Metz, PhD, MSW is a Professor of Graduate Social Work at West Chester University in West Chester, PA. She is also a licensed social worker in the state of Pennsylvania.

Melissa Reed, PhD, ACSM CCE-P is an Associate Professor of Exercise Science at West Chester University in West Chester, PA. She is also a certified exercise physiologist.

Barbara Harrison, PhD, APRN, FGSA, is an Associate Professor of Nursing at West Chester University in West Chester, PA. She is also a licensed nurse practitioner in the state of Pennsylvania.

PhD, APRN, FGSA

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2017.1605

Recommended Citation

Heinerichs S, Gilboy M, Metz S, Reed MA, Harrison BE. Community Engagement with Older Adults to Evaluate Interprofessional Education in Allied Healthcare Students. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2017 Jan 01;15(1), Article 2.