A Large-Scale, Collaborative Care Summit to Promote Interprofessional Learning: Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Abstract Introduction This resource, developed by the Northeastern/Central Pennsylvania Interprofessional Education Coalition (NECPA-IPEC), was created to meet several needs: (1) application to a diverse group of learners, including, but not limited to physicians, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists, rehabilitation (physical therapy, speech therapy), psychosocial (social work, psychiatry), and technical (ultrasound, x-ray, etc); (2) relatively low-tech; (3) simultaneous delivery at multiple sites; and (4) relatively low cost. Methods This publication consists of material for a single 3-hour, multisite interprofessional case discussion focused on ischemic stroke. This case took the students from the home setting, through the emergency responders, the emergency room, diagnostic imaging, the ICU, and discharge. The small groups (about 10–12 students each) were comprised of learners from multiple health professions. These sessions were facilitated by two individuals each representing a different health profession. The facilitator training, a trigger video to start the case, and the written case with facilitator notes are included, as well as the documents which will assist the planners in organizing the event. Results This material was successfully implemented during the NECPA-IPEC 2012 Collaborative Care Summit. Five hundred and fifty-six students and 122 facilitators participated in the 2012 summit representing 17 unique professions. Two hundred and ninety-nine students and 85 facilitators responded to the postevent survey (54% and 70% response rates, respectively). Students and facilitators both found the Summit to be effective. Specifically, students agreed or strongly agreed that the case discussion approach was an effective way to teach interprofessional concepts (87%), and 96% of the facilitators agreed or strongly agreed that the case discussion approach was effective in teaching interprofessional concepts. Importantly, 98% of the facilitators would recommend that the Summit be repeated for future students. Discussion Despite demonstrate effectiveness, one common pitfall is the tendency for facilitators and learners to get distracted by the clinical content of the case rather than focus on teamwork, communication, and other interprofessional interactions. This can be mitigated by clear instructions to the facilitators.

Keywords

• Interprofessional Education Collaboration (IPEC)
• Teamwork
• Ischemic Stroke