School of Health Sciences hosts interprofessional education session 

The School of Health Sciences hosted an interprofessional education session on Wednesday, Nov. 30, that included students from the Elon Physician Assistant program, the Elon Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and the Alamance Community College Nursing Program.  

Close to 100 students participated in an hour-long session that was facilitated by faculty from the three programs that focused on the importance of the medical team. The session began with a “Did you know?” presentation that included the top 10 things that each profession wanted the others to know about their field of work.

Following the presentation, a standardized patient scenario was presented that included a patient who had had hip surgery two days prior, struggling with pain management and altered mental status. The scenario began with the nurse speaking with the patient and obtaining vital signs, followed by the physical therapist entering the room to begin physical therapy for the day. The patient’s vital signs and mental status were not conducive to ambulation, so a discussion had to occur between the Nurse, physical therapist and physician assistant, who entered later during morning rounds. That discussion focused on the most important concerns and primary goals for the patient and how the team could best work together to meet the patient’s needs. 

The session concluded with students sharing what they learned about the different professions that participated in the activity. One student commented that “each profession does have a certain job and role, but with good communication, goals can be modified to efficiently treat the patient effectively.”  Another mentioned that “we have a lot in common, especially when it comes to patient safety, comfort, and goals.”

Prior to and following the session, students from the physician assistant and nursing programs were divided into smaller groups that rotated through stations with physical therapy faculty and students to learn techniques to improve patient mobility and to prevent injuries from occurring.

The day was considered a success by all and is hoped to be an annual event.