Mission Possible: Developing a Longitudinal Curriculum for 29 Academic Programs Across Eight Colleges

The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the current interprofessional curriculum model at a comprehensive academic health center. This curriculum proposes a structured academic and clinical progression of mandatory and elective didactic and experiential learning related to IPEC competencies required to prepare students for interprofessional practice and to meet departmental accreditation standards. This presentation will discuss the methodology used lessons learned during this work-in-progress.

Using the Kern six-step model for developing health professional education curriculum, the following strategic approach was used:

(I-II) Needs Assessment. The campus-wide assessment included A) A systematic review of accreditation requirements from professional programs as coordinated by the office of the chief academic officer, and B) A thorough review of the coursework/projects currently offered.

(III) Goals and Objectives. Goals and objectives were developed into a framework aligning accreditation standards with the IPEC Core Competencies for Collaborative Practice.

(IV) Educational strategies. Strategies included delineation of didactic, simulation, clinical, and synthesis coursework delivered with progressive exposure of IPEC Core Competencies.

(V) Implementation. The curriculum proposal was reviewed and approved by the IEPA and the institution’s chief academic officer for implementation over the following two years.

(VI) Evaluation and Assessment. Assessment includes evaluation of student attitudes and knowledge gained following learning activities, and student reflection following experiences.

This method for curriculum development provides a strategy by which comprehensive academic health centers can create a plan for intentional creation of competency-based interprofessional coursework to meet accreditation standards for multiple professions. The curricular structure allows programs multiple options to integrate IPE offerings into their professional programs.