LEAP Interprofessional Champions: Partnership Innovations in the Nexus

Significant gaps exist in understanding the opportunities and challenges in implementing interprofessional education (IPE) in the clinical learning environment (CLE). Academic institutions face barriers in implementation due to a lack of knowledge and control within the practice setting, and practice settings face barriers without system-level support and expertise in IPE design. Not surprisingly, research supports the value of explicit partnerships between higher education and health organizations to advance IPE competency in the authentic CLE to prepare learners for collaborative practice.Implementation: In partnership with three local health organizations, the UMN Center for Interprofessional Health (CIH) launched an innovative academic-clinical partnership model designed to leverage and support IPE Champions employed within health systems. Rooted in the successful implementation of LEAP IPE experiences (Learning through Engaging Actively in Practice), the LEAP Interprofessional Champion model offers a structured, cohort-based approach to design explicit, sustainable, coordinated integration of learners from a variety of health professions into on-site, authentic IPE experiences. Over one academic year, CIH provided a stipend-based framework for champions to advance their health system’s IPE portfolio with guidance and resources from CIH and each other. Challenges and successes in implementation across the three health systems will be presented.Evaluation plan: This model is in line with HPAC and NCICLE recommendations that CLE excellence necessitates organization-level interprofessional teaming and IPE programming with “deliberate design” supporting interprofessional competency development. LEAP Champion evaluation metrics include those specific to the individual champions, the learners, and the organizations.Outcome(s) and significance: Learning objectives include engaging actively and with integrity in the team, communicating and listening, understanding/reflecting on roles and responsibilities, and integrating diverse team perspectives - including the patient’s - in decision-making, as well as belonging. LEAP Champion presenters will share lessons learned and outcomes specific to their organization, as well as opportunities and next steps following completion of the LEAP Champion role.