Author(s): Holden Petty, Michael Banasky
Mentor(s): Mark Siemon
Institution SUU
Interprofessional education (IE) is essential for efficient, ethical, and sustainable healthcare delivery. The Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) has recently released new competency standards. Training medical professionals in IE is costly and challenging. The study aims to assess and improve IE and competency among pre-health students at SUU. This project utilizes mixed-methods research. A self-report Likert scale survey assesses SUU undergraduates' (n=36) weaknesses in IPEC sub-competencies. This cross-sectional survey informs data collection of a scoping review that develops interdisciplinary interventions for weak IPEC core competencies. Other undergraduate assessment methods are reviewed to suggest improvements to the tested method. SUU students rate their IPEC competency highly (avg: 3.41 out of 4), with Values and Ethics sub-competencies highest (average: 3.55) and Teams and Teamwork lowest (average: 3.32). Given the limited data, no valid advantages exist for major, class, or enrollment in Utah Health Scholars. An evidence-based intervention is proposed for the 5 lowest-rated competencies. Improved assessment models are suggested to establish a longitudinal data collection for future classes. This study provides a baseline assessment and suggests methods for enhancing interprofessional education in undergraduate pre-health programs.