Faculty Collaboration Database

Implementing and evaluating an interprofessional minority health conference for social work and healthcare professionals. J Interprof Care 2017 Nov;31(6):785-788

Date

09/06/2017

Pubmed ID

28872923

DOI

10.1080/13561820.2017.1346591

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85029461539 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   2 Citations

Abstract

Interprofessional education (IPE) is one strategy for addressing health inequities; however, little attention has been paid to continuing IPE for practicing social work and healthcare professionals. This article offers guidance to faculty in social work and health-related academic units on offering continuing IPE on the topic of minority health. An interprofessional group of faculty offered a day-long conference on minority health, ethics, and social justice. The conference goal was to promote interprofessional communication in a co-learning environment and promote dialogue on social determinants of health and health equity in the state. Data were obtained from surveys and analysis of work plans developed during the conference. Workshop participants were majority White (62%), social workers (79%), and practiced for 14 years on average. The most useful topics were dementia and polypharmacy. Takeaway strategies included interprofessional work, being mindful of access to resources, and engagement in continuing education. Lessons learned include plan in advance for all professions; recruit faculty and students from multiple departments to increase interprofessional diversity; offer strategies and incentives to increase student participation; be strategic about conference location and format; and identify a strategic format and theme. IPE is a means of preparing learners for working together in their future careers to provide high-quality patient-centred care and reduce health disparities. Professional development can provide an opportunity to enhance skills to address health disparities, and learning can be significantly enhanced when participants connect with colleagues from different professions, discuss diverse opinions, and share successful practices.

Author List

Washington TR, Ward TS, Young HN, Orpinas P, Cornelius LJ

Author

Trina Salm Ward PhD, APSW Assistant Professor in the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare department at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Communication
Cooperative Behavior
Faculty
Female
Health Personnel
Humans
Interprofessional Relations
Male
Minority Health
Social Determinants of Health
Social Justice
Social Work