Exploring student-led interprofessional education through a community service project

<p>Purpose: The purpose of this research was to explore the effectiveness of a student-led interprofessional education (IPE) workshop in improving student attitudes and perceptions toward IPE. Students from four health science programs including Dental Hygiene, Communication Sciences and Disorders/Speech and Hearing, Health Services Administration and Occupational Therapy participated in a community service event. Students provided screenings to veteran patients including a health history intake, hearing test, and sleep screening while other students observed.</p> <p>Methods: Students were asked to attend an orientation, the Vets Day IPE workshop, and a debrief session. This mixed methods approach study utilized the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) to assess students’ attitudes and perceptions toward IPE. The RIPLS (Likert scale) was used as a pre- and post-test to assess changes in students’ scores. The pre-test was administered prior to the IPE workshop. The post- test was administered following the workshop. Qualitative data derived from a debrief session where students answered guided questions in groups regarding their experience through discussion.</p> <p>Results: Results indicated a statistically significant difference (p<.05) in participants’ attitudes and perceptions toward IPE using the RIPLS. Statistical significance was found within each RIPLS subscale where participants showed a positive change in their readiness for interprofessional learning. Qualitative data revealed positive feedback about the workshop and an improvement in learning about different professions.</p> <p>Conclusion: The results of this study show a student-led approach to IPE through a community service project is beneficial in improving student attitudes and perceptions of IPE.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS) in Dental Hygiene

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Dental Hygiene

Year

2018

Author dc:creator

• Doerschuk, Lindsay Ann

• Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Dental Hygiene
• Dental Public Health and Education
• Health and Medical Administration
• Interprofessional Education
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech and Hearing Science

Statement dc:rights

• Access is available to all users

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.ewu.edu/theses/478

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.ewu.edu:theses-1480