Interprofessional Education at a Distance: The Hybrid Interprofessional Education Model

Authors

Melissa J. Lazinski, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Lynda Ross, Florida Gulf Coast UniversityFollow
Suzanne Wolf, Wingate UniversityFollow
Megan Finck, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Lance Cherry, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Abstract

Background: Interprofessional education (IPE) is a critical component of health professions education but planning and implementation are challenged by logistical, physical, personnel, and recently global pandemic COVID-19 barriers. Purpose: This report describes the development and design of the proposed Hybrid Interprofessional Education (HIPE) model, a blended learning IPE model developed to mitigate barriers using a flexible framework and online collaborative technologies to deliver experiences based on Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) core competencies. Operational principles, model design, an example of model implementation, and outcomes are reported. Method: Fifty-four student physical therapists and physician assistants attending remote campuses of the same university participated and completed an exit survey. Descriptive statistics were calculated for Likert scale and semantic differential scale survey items and thematic analysis was conducted for open question responses. Results: Analysis revealed students felt improved understanding of interprofessional practice, the other profession’s role, teamwork, and communication. Responses supported online, asynchronous delivery and the web application used but not the synchronous activity portion. Three themes arose from comments: learning with and from, interactions, and activity design. Conclusion: The HIPE model was used to deliver IPE that supported perceptions of student learning in IPEC core competencies when physical proximity was not possible. Further iterative research and model refinement are needed. Future research should include investigation of student learning outcomes when using the HIPE model.

Author Bio(s)

Melissa J. Lazinski, PT, DPT, DHSc is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Nova Southeastern University in Clearwater, FL. She is also a licensed physical therapist specializing in orthopedics.

Lynda Ross, PT, DPT, DHS is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University in Ft Meyers, FL. She is also a licensed physical therapist specializing in pediatrics and neurological physical therapy.

Suzanne "Suzie" Wolf, MS PAS, PA-C is the Director of the Public Health Program and Assistant Professor in Physician Assistant Studies at Wingate University in Wingate, NC. She is also an adjunct professor for the Physician Assistant Program at Nova Southeastern University in Jacksonville, FL.

Megan Finck, MMS, PA-C is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physician Assistant at Nova Southeastern University in Jacksonville, FL. She is also a licensed physician assistant.

Lance Cherry, PT, MPT, EdD, is an Associated Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Nova Southeastern University in Clearwater, FL. He is also a licensed physical therapist specializing in orthopedics.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Melissa Moran Tovin, PT, MA, PhD for her consultation in the thematic analysis. Dr. Tovin has given permission to this acknowledgement.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2021.2011

Recommended Citation

Lazinski MJ, Ross L, Wolf S, Finck M, Cherry L. Interprofessional Education at a Distance: The Hybrid Interprofessional Education Model. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2021 Jan 01;19(3), Article 15.