EDUCATING STUDENTS FOR INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAMWORK IN THE CLINICAL PLACEMENT SETTING

The development of effective interprofessional teams is important to the management of the complex health care needs of the elderly. Although students are expected to function within interprofessional teams on graduation, they receive limited experience in teamwork. Few models for interprofessional education have been developed that include an evaluation component. This article describes an interprofessional education experience. The purpose of the project was to develop knowledge and skills about team functioning. Undergraduate students worked together on a clinical team and participated in weekly problem‐based tutorial sessions that addressed issues concerning team functioning. This project was executed within a geriatric day hospital setting. The students formed their own team within the larger clinical team. They observed and role modeled behaviors from their preceptors and learned about the theoretical issues of team functioning within the tutorials. The experience was evaluated with a feedback form, exit interviews, and taped team conferences. Results showed that students enjoyed the experience despite the extra work load and felt supported by other students to participate and take risks within the larger clinical team. Students recommended greater involvement by their preceptors in the experience. A plan for sustaining the project is discussed.