An Introductory Interprofessional Learning Experience for Occupational Therapy Students: Bridging Academia and Practice

Interprofessional education (IPE) for occupational therapists (OT) should bridge academic and clinical learning environments (1, 2). This study examined OT student learning outcomes from an introductory longitudinal community-based IPE experience with other health professions learners and community volunteers. Knowledge gained from the OT student learning outcomes can better inform educators how to bridge the IPE academic and clinical learning context.Methods/methodology: At the end of the required IPE experience, Putting Families First, OT students completed reflections that asked: 1) how their interprofessional team worked to complete experience requirements (e.g., home visits and a family health improvement project); and 2) how they will apply their learning in their clinical rotations. Reflections were independently content analyzed by four researchers for major themes; the team met to determine final themes and their meaning.Results: At the end of the required IPE experience, Putting Families First, OT students completed reflections that asked: 1) how their interprofessional team worked to complete experience requirements (e.g., home visits and a family health improvement project); and 2) how they will apply their learning in their clinical rotations. Reflections were independently content analyzed by four researchers for major themes; the team met to determine final themes and their meaning.Conclusions, implications, and curiosities: The IPE experience provided OT students opportunities to practice specific teamwork skills in an interprofessional team while working with a volunteer “client.” Students recognized the importance of interprofessional teamwork in their future clinical work through valuing other professions’ perspectives and informing others about the role of OT. Students gained an appreciation for client-centered care and how SDOH affect a client’s health. This experience provides OT students an effective introductory opportunity to apply collaborative ready skills for practice.