title: An interprofessional health assessment program in rural amateur sport.
abstract: Effective interprofessional learning (IPL) in multisectoral collaborations such as those linking health services within communities can provide an authentic experience for students and also appears to be the most effective way to achieve health changes in targeted population groups. The aim of this study was to facilitate the IPL of students at a rural university in a multisectoral health assessment programme and to promote health in players of rural amateur sport. Two rural rugby league teams took part in three pre-season health assessments conducted by general medical practitioners, practice nurses, and nursing, osteopathy, and exercise science students. The Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale questionnaire and a series of focus groups were used to evaluate participants' experiences of the programme. Results indicated that students saw the benefits for patients and 93% valued the opportunity to improve interprofessional communication, problem-solving and team skills. Some students felt they needed to learn more about their own professional role before learning about others, and instances of stereotyping were identified. The programme also enabled early detection of potential health risks and referral for medical care, management of musculoskeletal conditions, and health promotion. These health assessments would be readily transferred to other multisectoral sporting settings.
authors.affiliation: a School of Health and Human Sciences , Southern Cross University , Lismore , New South Wales , Australia.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grace
authors.affiliation: a School of Health and Human Sciences , Southern Cross University , Lismore , New South Wales , Australia.
authors.forename: Rosanne
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Coutts
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005538:Football; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration; D006126:Group Processes; D006281:Health Occupations; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006293:Health Promotion; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration; D055360:Osteopathic Physicians / Q000193:education; D024382:Professional Role; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013178:Sports Medicine / Q000193:education; D013336:Students, Health Occupations; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology
keywords: Collaboration; evaluation; interprofessional education; interprofessional evaluation; interprofessional research; multi-sector