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Abstract
This article describes the development, implementation and evaluation of a longitudinal
interprofessional education (IPE) experience for adult nurse practitioner students and internal
medicine residents. This experience focused on providing care for complex community based
patients during clinic and home visits, preceded by didactic learning that emphasized
understanding one another’s professional roles and education, teamwork and conflict
management. Evaluation demonstrated significant improvements in attitudes and beliefs

Objective: To identify, review, and evaluate survey instruments used to assess teamwork, a process critical to delivering quality care, so as to facilitate high quality research on this topic.

Data sources: The ISI Web of Knowledge database, which includes articles from MEDLINE, Social Science Citation Index, and Science Citation Index.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The need for interprofessional education (IPE) to improve teamwork skills has been recognized by several national organizations. The purpose of this study was to investigate IPE integration in family medicine clerkships and factors associated with IPE's success.

METHODS:

There is increasing acknowledgement that interprofessional education (IPE) holds promise for preparing health professionals as collaborative-ready practitioners. The effects of IPE on learning outcomes are critical in determining the value of such programs. Attitudes are recognized as a significant element in developing behaviors. This study was designed to determine attitudes and perceptions of students toward collaborative learning in an interprofessional context.

Abstract Athletic trainers (ATs) are healthcare providers who work in collaboration with physicians, nurses, physical therapists and others to provide care to physically active individuals. Founded in 1950, the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) represents certified ATs and other individuals who support the athletic training profession. The Board of Certification (BOC) has the only accredited certification program for ATs in USA.

Improvement in the provision of health care is essential in a complex, diverse and changing system. Studies are beginning to indicate that interprofessional (IP) collaboration can be a means to help address this issue. Institutions that have programs in health professions develop Interprofessional Education (IPE) programs as a way to introduce and nurture the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for IP collaboration.

The purpose of this paper is to describe a pilot study that will further develop and refine the capstone course for an 11-credit hour Interprofessional Curriculum. The course is being designed to allow students an opportunity to apply interprofessional concepts within the context of a practicum experience. Students were recruited from a variety of Health Science programs. Eleven volunteered to participate representing nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. A low-income, urban residence was chosen for the project site.

Saint Louis University's Interprofessional Education Program (SLU-IPE) started with interprofessional courses throughout the curricula of the health professional programs of the Edward and Margaret Doisy College of Health Sciences and the School of Nursing. The goal of SLU-IPE is to prepare graduates for interprofessional patient/client-centered practice, effective and efficient delivery of health care services, and advocacy for improvement of health and health services.

A historical review was conducted to examine the advances made, nationally and internationally, in interdisciplinary health professional education since the mid-1960s. One hundred and nineteen articles were reviewed and divided by decade into the following subheadings: models, courses, communication/group process issues, and international perspectives. Twenty-seven articles, categorized as models, defined the conceptual field, described curriculum and program development, or provided a framework for evaluation.

Appropriate collaboration and communication among health professionals is viewed as increasingly important in meeting the challenges of today's health care system. Student socialization to interdisciplinary practice is thought to be facilitated through interdisciplinary academic and clinical learning experiences during the educational program. The purpose of this article is to identify factors commonly cited as facilitating and inhibiting interdisciplinary education, to provide insight for the development of successful interdisciplinary education projects.