Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorder Interprofessional Education

Faculty/Staff Leader

Juanita Lozano-Pineda

Juanita Lozano-Pineda, D.D.S., M.P.H.
Associate Dean for External Affairs & Associate Professor, Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, School of Dentistry

Additional Contributors
Michael Geelhoed, D.P.T., OCS, MTC, Associate Professor/Clinical & Director of Clinical Education, Physical Therapy Program, School of Health Professions; and Ricky Joseph, Ph.D., OTR, Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions

LINC Seed Grant Program
This IPE activity was supported by funding through the LINC Seed Grant Program in 2019.

Interprofessional Education Plans
This activity is embedded in the following IPE Plans for the current academic year:

Summary

The IPE collaboration introduces dental, occupational therapy and physical therapy students to each other where they learn about, with and from each other. In the past, different aspects of ergonomics, and how it applies to professions, as well as prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), were taught to first-year dental students (DS1), occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) students separately in each school’s respective curriculum. The experiential IPE training enhances the learning of information, assessments involved and preventive modalities that exist to minimize MSDs risk. The IPEC competencies of Roles and Responsibilities, Interprofessional Communication and Teamwork are addressed. DS1 students receive an ergonomics presentation and a hands-on session with OT faculty and students where dental students demonstrate proper posture and patient/instrument locations and receive feedback from OT students. PT faculty present a 1-hour lecture to DS1 students on posture and exercise advice.

This information is reinforced with collaborative IPE experiential sessions with physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) students. Upper division OT students observe dental students at the UT Dentistry Clinic and evaluate the workplace and posture ergonomics of DS3 students while the dental students are providing patient care. The OT student provide evaluation feedback to DS3 students. Students are assessed on knowledge gained regarding their specific training needs related to ergonomics in their respective assessment forms. Additionally, all students are assessed with a pre and post IPE Questionnaire that includes competencies of Interprofessional Communication, Roles and Responsibilities, and Teamwork, using the Interprofessional Collaborative Competencies Attainment Survey (ICCAAS) criteria.

IPEC Competency Domain(s)
Communication
Roles & Responsibilities
Teams & Teamwork
Values & Ethics

IPEC Sub-Competencies Targeted
TT6: Reflect on self and team performance to inform and improve team effectiveness.
TT10: Discuss organizational structures, policies, practices, resources, access to information, and timing issues that impact the effectiveness of the team.
VE5: Value the expertise of health professionals and its impacts on team functions and health outcomes.
RR2: Collaborate with others within and outside of the health system to improve health outcomes.
RR4: Differentiate each team member’s role, scope of practice, and responsibility in promoting health outcomes.
C1: Communicate one’s roles and responsibilities clearly.
C5: Practice active listening that encourages ideas and opinions of other team members.
C6: Use constructive feedback to connect, align, and accomplish team goals.

IPE Activity Details

First Year Offered: 2019

Last Year Offered: Current

Type:
Curricular

Sub-Type:
Blended, Classroom, Clinical, Simulation

Types of Learners:
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Doctor of Physical Therapy

Peer-Reviewed Presentation(s)

National Podium Presentation

Lozano-Pineda J*, Grice K, Joseph R, Geelhoed M. Ergonomics: integrating dentistry, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. American Dental Education Association, 2021 ADEA Annual Conference, March 2021.

Regional Podium Presentations

Lozano-Pineda J*, Grice K, Joseph R, Geelhoed M. Ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorder interprofessional education. The University of Texas Kenneth I. Shine, M.D., Academy of Health Science Education, 2021 Innovations in Health Science Education Annual Conference, February 2021.

National Poster Presentations

Lozano-Pineda J*, Grice K, Joseph R, Geelhoed M. Ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorder interprofessional education. National Center for Interprofessional Practice & Education, 2020 Nexus Summit, August 2020.