Interprofessional Collaboration Led by Health Professional Students: A Case Study of the Inter Health Professional Alliance at Virginia Commonwealth University

Authors

  • Lynn M. VanderWielen Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Health Administration
  • Elizabeth K. Do Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Hadja I. Diallo Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
  • Kristen N. LaCoe PharmD Candidate 2014 Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy
  • Natalie L. Nguyen Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy
  • Sonal A. Parikh Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
  • Helen Y. Rho Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
  • Alexander S. Enurah MD Candidate Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
  • Erika K. Dumke Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Alan W. Dow Virginia Commonwealth University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22230/jripe.2014v3n3a132

Keywords:

Interprofessional healthcare, Participatory action research (PAR), Professional education, Healthcare professionals

Abstract

Background: Internationally recognized health experts have identified the need for an interdisciplinary approach to meet the healthcare needs of the 21st century, but academic institutions have been slow to take action. In response, eight health professional students at Virginia Commonwealth University developed a student-led organization, the Inter Health Professionals Alliance (IHPA), to foster a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment among health professional students.

Methods and Findings: The eight students utilized a participatory action research approach to identify 1) an understanding behind the motivation for developing IHPA and 2) the core benefits of group involvement. Four benefits were identified: the development of knowledge and skills, interprofessional networks, professional competence, and role clarity. The case study demonstrated that students can engage in interdisciplinary collaboration from a student-initiated approach and likely improve the care of future patients. Drawing on personal experiences, IHPA board members outline five pieces of wisdom to aid fellow students in the development of student-led interdisciplinary organizations.

Conclusions: With enthusiasm and support, students can transform their educational experiences to meet the healthcare needs of the twenty-first century.

Author Biographies

Lynn M. VanderWielen, Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Health Administration

PhD (Candidate) MPH, Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Health Administration

Elizabeth K. Do, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University

PhD Student, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University

Hadja I. Diallo, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Registered Nurse, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, BSN Graduate, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Nursing

 

 

Kristen N. LaCoe, PharmD Candidate 2014 Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy

PharmD Candidate 2014
Virginia Commonwealth University
School of Pharmacy

Natalie L. Nguyen, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy

PharmD Candidate, Virginia Commonwealth University
School of Pharmacy

Sonal A. Parikh, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

MD Candidate, 2014, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine

Helen Y. Rho, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

PhD; MD Candidate
Virginia Commonwealth University
School of Medicine

Alexander S. Enurah, MD Candidate Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

MD Candidate
Virginia Commonwealth University
School of Medicine

Erika K. Dumke, Virginia Commonwealth University

Division for Health Sciences Diversity – Director, Virginia Commonwealth University

Alan W. Dow, Virginia Commonwealth University

MD, MSHA
Associate Professor of Internal Medicine
Assistant Vice President of Health Sciences for Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Care
Assistant Dean of Medical Education

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Published

2014-02-25

Issue

Section

Articles: Empirical Research