Interprofessional Collaboration Including VR and Case Studies for Improved Dementia Care Outcomes

Faculty/Staff Leader Summary

As of 2019, an estimated 5.7 million Americans live with some form of dementia. Given the complex health variables of the aging population, the diagnosis of dementia exponentially increases health concerns. Therefore, there is a need to understand the effect of interprofessional education (IPE) on outcomes for patients living with dementia. Through this pilot project, we postulate that dementia patient care will improve when pre-licensure health learners communicate and collaborate to improve knowledge, skills, attitudes and self-efficacy in a patient-focused environment, rather than a profession specific environment. The goal is for the participants to learn from, with and about each other’s respective professions to assess oral health and systemic conditions that impact health. OBJECTIVES: To develop and measure Interprofessional Education and Collaborative (IPEC) competencies of teams and teamwork, communication, and roles and responsibilities through co-curricular interprofessional collaborative activities. Through these objectives, learners will increase their knowledge of the oral-systemic connection and improve care for patients living with dementia. METHODS: An IPE pilot project will be conducted using survey methods in a synchronous or blended learning format to assess a total of 12 pre-interprofessional learners from nursing, occupational therapy, and dental hygiene. Surveys will be sent in a secure electronic format through Qualtrics. Learners will participate in three learning activities: 1. Dementia Certification; 2. Virtual Reality case presentation; 3. A capstone video case presentation. Competency will be evaluated using the Performance Assessment for Communication and Teamwork, PACT pre/post assessment tool. IRB #:HSC20210150E. CONCLUSION: Faculty will present our findings nationally.

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

IPEC Sub-Competencies Targeted
TT2: Appreciate team members’ diverse experiences, expertise, cultures, positions, power, and roles towards improving team function.
TT3: Practice team reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
RR4: Differentiate each team member’s role, scope of practice, and responsibility in promoting health outcomes.
RR5: Practice cultural humility in interprofessional teamwork.
C1: Communicate one’s roles and responsibilities clearly.
C2: Use communication tools, techniques, and technologies to enhance team function, well-being, and health outcomes.
C4: Promote common understanding of shared goals.