Enhancing Collaboration in Dysphagia Care: An Innovative Structured Interprofessional Learning Experience for Medical and Speech Language Pathology Students

The effective management of dysphagia requires robust interprofessional collaboration between physicians and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). To address this need, faculty from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine (COM) and University of Nebraska Omaha Speech Pathology program developed a dysphagia-focused interprofessional education (IPE) event. This activity, grounded in the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) competencies, aims to enhance student collaboration and understanding in dysphagia management through innovative interprofessional pedagogy.Implementation: In its second year, this program engaged 127 medical students and 22 SLP students, divided into seven classrooms with small, mixed-discipline groups. Facilitator and student guides emphasized IPE and medical knowledge objectives, supporting structured discussion and effective collaboration. Each classroom included assigned seating to promote interaction, and sessions were co-facilitated by an SLP faculty member and a COM faculty member specializing in otolaryngology, family medicine, internal medicine, or gastroenterology. Interprofessional case design and session structure were developed from facilitator and student feedback from the first year to enhance learning and participation.Evaluation plan: Following the session, facilitators completed a structured survey to evaluate the program’s effectiveness in fostering interprofessional dialogue and learning. Feedback focused on the clarity of roles, balance of participation, and alignment with IPE and medical learning objectives.Outcome(s) and significance: Facilitator feedback indicated improved student engagement, particularly due to structured facilitator prompts, strategic physical layout, and co-facilitation. These adjustments addressed prior challenges, leading to more balanced interaction and effective case discussion. This program provides a replicable model for institutions aiming to design innovative IPE events that integrate medical and allied health disciplines effectively, enhancing interprofessional collaboration and learning among students.