A Seat at the Table: Integrating Interprofessional Education within an Optometric Curriculum

Efforts in health care reform and restructuring of health care delivery have called for the elimination of “silos” and improvements in the coordination of care. Realization of this goal depends on expanded interprofessional communication and an appreciation and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of different members of the health care delivery team. An innovative interprofessional case-based learning curriculum was developed and implemented in a University-wide initiative. Specific behavioral objectives were developed and integrated within complex patient case scenarios. Learning occurred within small-group interprofessional discussions and in large interprofessional grand rounds presentations. All health professions across the campus were represented, including 9 different disciplines. The curriculum was evaluated using a portfolio of assessments including rubric evaluations of student engagement, pre- and post- comparisons of attitudinal surveys, and assessments of faculty engagement and attitudes. Results of this unique program are presented and discussed along with lessons learned when all professions have an equal seat at the table.