An Interprofessional Team Experience—Value and Timing in a Doctor of Physical Therapy Curriculum

Abstract

Introduction. Intentional interprofessional experiences (IPE) in physical therapy education are needed to address Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education criteria and ensure student readiness for practice. The purpose of this study was to compare Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student perceptions of participation in an older adult interprofessional team visit (IPTV) between 3 cohorts at different points in the professional entry level curriculum. Methods. A retrospective comparison of different cohorts was possible at different time points due to curricular changes. Ninety one DPT students in 3 cohorts from 2013 to 2015 participated in the same IPTV experience format in their first, second or third year of the professional program. Doctor of Physical Therapy students were matched with students from 2 disciplines. All participated in a team and discipline-specific orientation and debriefing and completed an assessment with an older adult living in the community and a prequestionnaire/postquestionnaire. Results from postvisit surveys were examined using nonparametric statistics, and open-ended questions were coded and analyzed for themes. Responses were compared for differences across the 3 years. Results. There were significant differences across cohorts. Student reflections were positive with themes emerging across all cohorts for communication, teamwork, and learning. First-year students reported the greatest overall agreement for all learning outcome statements in comparison to the second or third cohort of students. Discussion and Conclusions. The IPTV experience provided a unique opportunity for students to work in an interprofessional team while learning about issues experienced by community dwelling older adults. The activity was ideal to provide early active community participant exposure and meet curricular objectives for communication strategies but could be used for the team-based interprofessional objectives at any stage. While student perceptions of the activity were very positive for all cohorts, this activity was valued by the first-year group more than second or third years. Timing and design of community-based IPE activities should be intentionally sequenced to meet learning objectives suitable for the stage of professional development and take into account exposure to patient care as well as other logistical and curricular sequencing to maximize learning and motivation.