Impact of interprofessional geriatric teamwork on students’ perceptions of older persons and collaborative practice

An Interprofessional Yearlong Geriatrics Fellowship Program for Advanced Practice Nursing and Social Work Students

“…We spent time discussing IP teamwork in our sessions and facilitating collaboration between the fellows. Several studies corroborate the effectiveness of IPE in geriatrics on students' attitudes and appreciation for IP care, including increased positive attitudes toward older adults 8,16,17…”

“…Structured seminar discussions about new learning were coled by paired nurse and social work fellows, who were coached by a faculty member on how to facilitate the discussion. One important goal of IPE is to help students develop awareness of their own roles and to adopt a collective identity that values the contributions of all team members 17–19…”

“…The outcomes of the fellowship demonstrated increased knowledge, clinical skills, communication skills, and appreciation for working in an IP geriatrics team, which is consistent with other literature in geriatrics education. 16,17 Designing and implementing the fellowship inside a university structure came with challenges. On the basis of our experience, the following recommendations are offered along with literature that supports those recommendations.…”

“…Several studies corroborate the effectiveness of IPE in geriatrics on students' attitudes and appreciation for IP care, including increased positive attitudes toward older adults. 8,16,17 Reinforce Learning Through Collaborative Seminars Regularly scheduled seminars are important for reinforcing learning and collaboration. Scheduling guest speakers in the smaller group setting facilitated questions and reflections about patients encountered in clinical settings.…”

“…One important goal of IPE is to help students develop awareness of their own roles and to adopt a collective identity that values the contributions of all team members. [17][18][19] The Critical Role of Preceptors Preceptors served as teachers, coaches, and mentors. Placing fellows with same-profession preceptors who were expert in care of older adults provided role modeling of the nuances of caring for older adults.…”