A regional model of interprofessional education

Abstract

Maria Olenick1, Edward Foote1, Patricia Vanston1, John Szarek1, Zachary Vaskalis1, Mary Jane Dimattio2, Raymond A Smego Jr21The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, PA, USA; Nesbitt College of Pharmacy and Nursing, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA, USA; 2University of Scranton, Scranton, PA, USAAbstract: This paper describes the innovative features of the first regional model of interprofessional education (IPE) in the US, developed by The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, PA, USA, as a new, independent, community-based medical school in northeastern Pennsylvania. Essential educational components include collaborative care seminars, interprofessional sessions, simulations, live web-based seminars and newly innovative virtual environment interactive exercises. All of these elements are being integrated into the curricula of 14 undergraduate and allied professional schools, and three graduate medical education programs located in the region. Activities incorporate simulation, standardized patients, student leadership, and faculty and student facilitation. As this new regional model of interprofessional education is fully implemented, its impact will be assessed using both quantitative and qualitative outcomes measurements. Appropriate ongoing modifications to the model will be made to ensure improvement and further applicability to collaborative learning.Keywords: interprofessional education, regional model, medical education