Abstract
ObjectivesRising health care costs and an increase in unnecessary testing have sparked interest in resource stewardship (RS) and subsequently the Choosing Wisely Canada (CWC) campaign. Currently, all Canadian medical schools have student representatives for CWC; however, the same is not true in other health professions. Interprofessional care learned through interprofessional education (IPE) can lead to better patient outcomes. This study assessed whether an IPE course for health profession students was effective in teaching undergraduate students both interprofessional competencies and CWC principles.MethodsAn approximately seven-hour-long, four-session course was administered to Dalhousie University health profession students (N= 30). A validated survey for IPE competencies and a general survey about CWC principles were administered to assess the course. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the general CWC views, and paired samples t-tests were employed to compare pre- and post-IPE competencies.ResultsThe full survey was completed by 25 (83%) students. Of these, 52% were female, within five health disciplines, and 13 (52%) had heard of CWC prior. Overall, the students agreed that CWC was important and relevant to their profession. They also reported significant improvements in multiple IPE competencies, including communication, collaboration, roles and responsibilities, patient-/family-centered care, conflict management/resolution, and team function.ConclusionParticipants in our pilot Choosing Wisely IPE course valued the importance of the CWC campaign and reported improvement in multiple IPE competencies. This adaptable, simple, and low-cost course may be an effective way to integrate RS teaching across multiple health professions.
Highlights
The Canadian Institute for Health Information estimated that up to 30% of the tests, treatments, and procedures performed annually are potentially unnecessary [1], contributing to $264 billion in health care costs in 2019 [2]
The students agreed that Choosing Wisely Canada (CWC) was important and relevant to their profession
The STARS campaign has grown to include medical students from all 17 medical schools across Canada. These students continue to advocate for local curricular changes in order to bring about local awareness of CWC [4]. These students have contributed to CWC by developing a list of recommendations aimed at medical students and their needs [5]
Summary
The STARS campaign has grown to include medical students from all 17 medical schools across Canada These students continue to advocate for local curricular changes in order to bring about local awareness of CWC [4]. These students have contributed to CWC by developing a list of recommendations aimed at medical students and their needs [5]. This shows that CWC and the STARS initiative is well integrated and has had successes with medical schools in Canada. While the engagement of medical students has brought about change, student involvement in other health professions is not well understood
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
