Learning from each other: An interprofessional educational approach to hypertension in community based clients

An interprofessional educational effort was undertaken by four university departments to address hypertension (HTN) in clients who exercised routinely at a university based fitness center. Included departments were Nursing, Health & Kinesiology, Pharmacy and Foods & Nutrition. The goals were to: 1) develop an interdisciplinary plan to assist clients to achieve blood pressure control through diet, exercise, and medication compliance and 2) provide students an opportunity to learn from each other as they worked together to help clients achieve improved health outcomes. Assessments were completed for clients with each department's students completing assessments specific to their discipline. The nursing student role included performing health histories, assessing blood pressures and teaching students from other disciplines about blood pressures, CPR, and how to respond to emergencies. Client assessments were discussed at student-led, monthly clinical case conferences. These conferences included a review of client goals, plans, outcomes, and possible revisions. Early evaluation of the program has been positive. Overall, students have reported gaining an appreciation for and understanding of other professions as they work together to achieve positive outcomes for clients. Clients who have remained in the program have lowered their blood pressure to acceptable levels. The collaboration of disciplines has enabled clients to gain a better understanding of the risk factors for HTN, improve health and fitness levels, practice better dietary habits and become compliant with medication regimens. Interprofessional education opportunities such as this can aid in readying students for participation in a collaborative healthcare workforce upon graduation.