An Undergraduate Clinical Skills Laboratory Developing Interprofessional Skills in Physical and Occupational Therapy

Abstract

This article describes an interprofessional educational experience, a clinical skills laboratory which brings occupational therapy and physical therapy students together in a learning experience which will simulate professional interaction. Students in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at McMaster University participate together in a clinical skills laboratory designed to promote physical handling skills and interprofessional skills. The experience is held at a clinical teaching unit (a geriatric chronic care facility) affiliated with the university. Students practice their skills in consideration of the patients' goals. Students' evaluation of this experience has been extremely positive which sustained the initiative. Ninetyeight percent of students believe that handling skills are an appropriate focus for an interprofessional educational experience. Future development of this experience is discussed.