The phase one course, "Patient Centered Cases - AnInterprofessional Approach" started in January the 2009-2010 academic year*. The overallgoal is for our students to develop an understanding of and appreciation for other health professionals. This course lays the foundation for future collaborative and coordinated care of patients.
The face-to-face small-group course meets for two hours late afternoon on Wednesdays. A total of five cases, three weeks long, plus foundation lectures comprise the two-semester course. This course is required for our entry level first-year students from our nine (9) health professional programs: osteopathic medicine, optometry, dental medicine, podiatric medicine, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant, nursing, pharmacy. Students from four additional health care disciplines: public health, occupational therapy assistant, medical assistant, and diagnostic imaging participate from Oregon State University (OSU) and Linn Benton Community College (LBCC), our IPE partners in Oregon. WesternU, OSU and LBCC faculty serve as the case facilitators. The original course design is based on a pilot case study conducted in spring 2008 (see case pilot study link for study details).
The cases are a vehicle for students to learn about and appreciate the contribution each profession makes in the delivery of health care. First semester cases focus on team building, communication and other vital interprofessional skills. Second semester cases emphasize cultural sensitivity, ethical dilemmas and end of life issues.
The IPE course competencies are for student to be able to:
- Describe the roles and unique contributions of other health professions
- Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaborative patient based care
- Recognize own role as member of an interdisciplinary health care team in providing patient centered care
- Effectively participates as a member of an interprofessional health care team
- Discuss the impact of ethical dilemmas in clinical care
- Recognize various professional roles related to end of life issues