Quality Improvement (QI) principles apply across health professions, yet curriculum is often limited prior to post-graduate training. A QI learning activity was adopted in a campus-wide IPE curriculum. This supports The Classroom and Beyond theme by introducing health system and workflow improvement processes applying across practice sites. Interprofessional teams of 6-10 respond to a ‘Call for Proposals’ from institutional, community, or state partners targeting the Quadruple Aim. Topics include priorities from Patient Advisory councils, health disparities for marginalized populations, and social determinants of health.
We review evolution of the activity through three models of delivery. Almost 4500 students from 15+ professions have participated. Evaluation includes ICCAS, 5-pt Likert scale for learning objectives/workshop format, and open response.
Phase 1: 6-week Longitudinal with formal presentation (2015 – 2019)
Teams participated in a 1-hour kickoff/orientation meeting 6 weeks prior to a formal presentation session. Teams established a work plan to complete a 3-page written proposal/presentation. Proposal elements included rationale/background, project goal/objectives, target audience/population, stakeholders, target outcomes, outcome measures, feasibility, barriers, timeline, budget, roles/responsibilities, significance, and potential impact. Administration logistics for facilitators/mentors and judges were challenging. Evaluations reflected difficulty in schedule coordination, imbalance in shared work/responsibility, limited team collaboration/communication, and stress related to presentation. Per one student, “This IPE was my least favorite one I have done. It felt too intense and I do not feel like we were prepared enough for it.”
Phase 2: 4-hr Workshop with presentation/feedback (2019 – Jan 2023)
Proposal elements as above but informal presentation. Workshop structure: orientation to QI and topic (30 min), planning for project focus (30 min), division of work in shared document (2 hrs), presentations/feedback (1 hour). Teams submitted written summary at workshop conclusion. Feedback showed improved satisfaction with format (workshop vs longitudinal) and team discussion/collaboration (though still desired more), fewer schedule coordination complaints, and some stress regarding workshop length and time constraints. Facilitator recruitment was difficult.
Phase 3: 2.5-hr Workshop with presentation/feedback (Feb 2023 – Present)
Assignment revised to SMART goal focus. Workshop structure: orientation to QI and topic (30 min), SMART goal #1 development using structured worksheet (30 min), group report/feedback (30 min), SMART goal #2 development (25 min), report/feedback (20-25 min). Feedback showed improved team discussion/collaboration, QI learning/comfort, and reflection on overall experience. Number/time of facilitators required is reduced. Representative comment: “I now have a deeper understanding of QI and my role in it.”
Evaluation metrics and qualitative themes will be shared.
In support of improving patient care, this activity is planned and implemented by The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education Office of Interprofessional Continuing Professional Development (National Center OICPD). The National Center OICPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
As a Jointly Accredited Provider, the National Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The National Center maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive continuing education credits.
The National Center OICPD (JA#: 4008105) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs).
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.
Physicians: The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education designates this live activity for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with their participation.
Physician Assistants: The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME.
Nurses: Participants will be awarded contact hours of credit for attendance at this workshop.
Nurse Practitioners: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME and ANCC.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians: This activity is approved for contact hours.
Athletic Trainers: This program is eligible for Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
Social Workers: As a Jointly Accredited Organization, the National Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The National Center maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive continuing education credits.
IPCE: This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.
Learners can claim CE credit by completing the Daily Evaluation.
