Hosting a Hybrid Summit to Promote Interprofessional Practice and Education – Feedback and Lessons Learned from the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry’s Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice Special Interest Group

Seminar Description: The Steering Committee for Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry’s Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (IPECP) Special Interest Group, which is composed of optometric educators throughout the United States, converted a traditional Summit format to a hybrid series. The Summit was presented throughout 2023 in a 5-part format with 4 virtual sessions and a culminating in-person meeting aligned with a national meeting (American Academy of Optometry Meeting). The first portion featured more formalized presentations focused on themes related to interprofessional education and practice, where attendees received continuing education credits. Topics included strengthening interprofessional practice and education within optometry, mentorship, and assessment. The second portion involved facilitated 3-attendee group breakout sessions using the “Wise Crowds” methods of discussion focused on the Interprofessional Education Core Competencies.

During this interactive seminar, steering committee members will provide attendees with practice insights and actionable strategies for promotion and acceptance of interprofessional collaboration and education, as well as evaluating the effectiveness in achieving these goals, particularly in professions such as optometry, which is a traditionally more siloed out-patient profession.

Learning objectives:
After attending this session, the learner will be able to:
1. Analyze the benefits of a hybrid approach to promoting interprofessional practice and education
2. Evaluate the challenges and opportunities in designing a successful hybrid summit
3. Synthesize the effectiveness of small breakout groups in facilitating interprofessional collaboration and discussion among attendees

Polling and chat will be used to optimize active learning.