A multimodal interprofessional education program including case-based problem solving focused on pain management increases student's knowledge and interprofessional skills

Abstract

Interprofessional education (IPE) activities are recommended to reflect current and future practice. The opioid epidemic is one of the most significant current health challenges; recently declared a United States public health crisis. Thus, an IPE program centered on interprofessional roles in pain management during the opioid crisis was developed at the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Professional students from pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, and nurse anesthesia programs were included. The program included a lecture about each profession, small group case-based problem-solving sessions (group activity), and a panel discussion led by representative pain management experts from each profession. We conducted a retrospective review of data from 251 professional students attending the IPE program, and assessed students' knowledge of each profession and their respective roles in pain management. We evaluated interprofessional skills using the Interprofessional Collaborative Competency Attainment Survey and gathered qualitative student feedback. Participants gained knowledge about other professions. Each represented profession had improvements in five constructs related to interprofessional skills. Students found the most value from the group activity, which encouraged interaction among professions. Overall, the program design was effective in enhancing student knowledge and attitudes regarding collaborative interprofessional team skills.

Keywords: Pain management; case-based learning; interprofessional education; nurse anesthesia; occupational therapy; pharmacy; physical therapy; physician assistant.