Affiliations: School of Social Work and Occupational Therapy
Department, University of New England, Portland, ME, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Betsey Gray, MSW, LICSW, School of
Social Work, University of New England, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME
04103-2670, USA. Tel.: +1 207 221 4508; Fax: +1 207 221 4719; E-mail: egray@une.edu
Abstract: Objective: To create an interprofessional/interdisciplinary
education (IPE), pilot course that provided a representative group of students
the opportunity to develop a 6 week fall reduction program for a group of elder
volunteers who were independently living in the community. The authors describe
the processes that occurred for the course and student-led program to be
developed. Results: This pilot course provided opportunities for
interprofessional student learning, faculty practice and development, and a
program to improve the health of the participants. Sustaining interprofessional
collaboration is challenging, primarily due to scheduling difficulties and
faculty workloads. Conclusions: More time needs to be devoted to
developing the team skills of students, as well as building their knowledge of
the contributions each discipline can make to a holistic view of elders. The
next phase of this project needs to include pre and post measurement of
students' readiness for IPE and elders to more adequately assess the components
and effects of the course and program for fall prevention.
Keywords: Interdisciplinary, elder, team, dental hygiene, occupational therapy, nursing, social work
