Increasing interprofessional education experiences and collaboration: Outcomes of a virtually-based continuing education program

Abstract

Purpose

An academic medical center implemented a yearlong virtual continuing education program to prepare health professions educators to develop, deploy and evaluate new interprofessional educational experiences for providers and learners.

Materials and methods

Primary program outcome measures were the number of participants who (1) completed the program, (2) presented a medical education topic to program participants, and (3) designed an interprofessional educational experience in collaboration with fellow participants or colleagues. Participation outcomes were measured by session attendance and completion of presentations on the medical education topic and designed interprofessional educational experience. Surveys administered at 3 time points assessed participants’ perceptions of the program. Changes in knowledge, skills, and attitudes were analyzed using paired t-tests.

Results

Nineteen participants (100 %) from 7 professions achieved the primary program participation outcomes and met their own goals. There were statistically significant increases in knowledge and skills at the end of the program. High rates of implemented interprofessional educational experiences (57 %) were reported one year after program completion. Participants also identified program strengths and areas for improvement.

Conclusions

Longitudinal continuing education programs in virtual formats can support both individuals and teams of educators in their own professional development and in designing interprofessional education experiences.