Interprofessional Training with Advanced Practice Nurse, Dietetic, and Pharmacy Students using Nutrition-focused Case Studies

Faculty/Staff Leader Summary

Nutrition is crucial for patient health, but nutritional education is lacking in many healthcare curricula. An interprofessional approach is ideal to optimize the health of patients with nutritional issues atop other medical problems. Furthermore, dietetics, nursing and pharmacy students may be unaware of the role each other play in addressing complex patient cases. Opportunities for dietetics, nursing and pharmacy students to collaborate in the treatment of patients with nutritional issues has not previously been available at The University of Texas system.

This 125-minute, case-based workshop trains students in graduate nursing (nurse practitioner), dietetics, and pharmacy to collaborate interprofessionally. Prior to the workshop, students from each discipline review an identical patient case and prepare a care plan from their discipline’s perspective. During the workshop, students from each discipline present on the homework case then follow with a whole-group discussion. Next, students form small, interprofessional groups, review two patient cases and contribute to subsequent whole-group discussion of the cases. The students provide session feedback and discuss how they can incorporate the interprofessional approach in their future practice.

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

IPEC Sub-Competencies Targeted
VE5: Value the expertise of health professionals and its impacts on team functions and health outcomes.
RR4: Differentiate each team member’s role, scope of practice, and responsibility in promoting health outcomes.
C2: Use communication tools, techniques, and technologies to enhance team function, well-being, and health outcomes.