title: Examining the effects of an experiential interprofessional education activity with older adults.
abstract: The need for experienced healthcare professionals to work with older adults is great, yet educational training is limited. In this interprofessional education (IPE) study, 861 students from five professions made 293 visits in the homes or preferred community settings of 208 older adults. Surveys with quantitative and open-text feedback assessed attitudes towards older adults, IPE team functioning, and the value of home visits. Survey results showed strongly positive attitudes towards ageing and older adults. Students from all professions expressed surprise and admiration for the active lives led by these healthier older adults, lives clearly in contrast to stereotypes of ageing. They further acknowledged the value of collaborative team functioning in meeting older adult needs, learned more about the roles and responsibilities of other professions, and identified strengths of the home as a site for care. Students positively valued the experience as part of their professional training, with 82% of all students stating they would welcome additional IPE opportunities. Results suggest that an experiential IPE activity can positively shape student attitudes towards older adults, IPE, and interprofessional collaboration.
authors.affiliation: a Occupational Therapy Program , Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University , Detroit , Michigan , USA.
authors.forename: Gerry
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Conti
authors.affiliation: b Department of Social Work , Wayne State University , Detroit , Michigan , USA.
authors.forename: Cassandra
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bowers
authors.affiliation: c Department of Pharmacy Practice , Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University , Detroit , Michigan , USA.
authors.forename: Mary Beth
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: O'Connell
authors.affiliation: d Medical School, Wayne State University , Detroit , Michigan , USA.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bruer
authors.affiliation: c Department of Pharmacy Practice , Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University , Detroit , Michigan , USA.
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bugdalski-Stutrud
authors.affiliation: c Department of Pharmacy Practice , Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University , Detroit , Michigan , USA.
authors.forename: Geralynn
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: e Department of Nursing , Wayne State University , Detroit , Michigan , USA.
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bickes
authors.affiliation: d Medical School, Wayne State University , Detroit , Michigan , USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mendez
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000193:education*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006792:House Calls; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D024382:Professional Role
keywords: Experiential learning; interprofessional collaboration; interprofessional education; older adults; surveys