Strategies to Facilitate Professional Student Collaboration Focused on an Interprofessional Understanding

Authors

Nicole Trupiano, University of Michigan - Ann ArborFollow
Tommy Lau, University of Michigan - Ann ArborFollow
Kelsey Dods, University of Michigan - Ann ArborFollow
Olivia S. Anderson, University of MichiganFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Newer studies have suggested that interprofessional education (IPE) initiatives led by students can be successful in engaging their peers in IPE. Despite this, few studies exist that examine the student response to student-led IPE activities. The objective of this paper is to describe a student-led IPE program where health professional students learn from each other or from practicing health professionals through a seminar series. Method: Three seminars were arranged with presenters representing dentistry, dietetics, and occupational therapy. Student attendees completed a pre- and post-survey to analyze their interest, knowledge, and likelihood to collaborate with the profession featured in each seminar. Results: The average agreement levels were increased for interest, knowledge, and likelihood to collaborate from the pre- to post-seminar for all three health professions represented in the seminar series. Conclusions: Student-led initiatives may be helpful for engaging peers in IPE, while also suggesting that peer teaching within IPE may provide additional benefit. When students learn from one another and develop an understanding as to how they can work together as future practitioners has the potential to lead to improved interprofessional collaboration, and ultimately, better patient and population health outcomes.

Author Bio(s)

Nicole (Nikki) Trupiano, MD is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School and former Co-Chair of the IPE Student Advisory Committee during her time there. She will be starting a combined internal medicine-dermatology residency at Northwestern in June 2023.

Tommy Lau, BS is Doctor of Dental Surgery candidate at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. He also serves as the IPE Student Advisory committee Co-chair for the Center for Interprofessional Education.

Kelsey Dods, DDS is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and former Co-Chair of the IPE Student Advisory Committee during her time there. She will be starting a residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of Michigan in July 2023.

Olivia S. Anderson, PhD, MPH, RD, is a Clinical Associate Professor and Associate Chair of Nutritional Sciences in the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI.

Recommended Citation

Trupiano N, Lau T, Dods K, Anderson OS. Strategies to Facilitate Professional Student Collaboration Focused on an Interprofessional Understanding. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2023 Jun 29;21(3), Article 20.