Respiratory Therapy and Medical Laboratory Sciences: An Interprofessional Collaboration Experience

Abstract

Background:

Interprofessional education (IPE) has been shown to be a useful learning tool among pre-professional healthcare students. IPE in healthcare education can be used in both clinical and classroom settings as an effective tool to improve patient care. When reviewing the IPE literature, there is a collaboration gap between Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) and Respiratory Therapists (RT).

Methods:

IRB approval was obtained to study an IPE laboratory experience between second year MLS students and first year RT students. A pre-post design was utilized. The previously validated ICCAS (Interprofessional Collaborative Competency Attainment Survey) was administered via an electronic survey to obtain data and student impressions before and after their IPE laboratory activity on the analysis of arterial blood gases (ABGs) and quality controls (QC).

Results:

Of the 38 IPE participants, there were 28 completed pre-surveys and 36 completed post-surveys. Participants ranged from 20-39 years old. Both RT and MLS students showed statistically significant improvement in understanding of both roles (P = 0.006-0.033), interdependence of the two professions (P = <0.001-0.038), and quality control knowledge (P = <0.001-0.038). RT students also showed statistically significant improvement in communication abilities (P = 0.002-0.047), shared patient goals (P = 0.006), understanding their own role (P = 0.003-0.011) and IP peer teaching (P = 0.006-0.028). MLS students showed improvement that was not statistically significant in all other areas, however the open-ended questions revealed that some MLS students still have a lack of understanding of the RT role. Overall, the open-ended questions revealed that both MLS and RT students enjoyed the experience of learning from each other and collaborating to work through the assignment. MLS students commented that they liked having the patient care perspective and found the RT diagnostic steps interesting. RT students enjoyed learning about QC from MLS students and seeing how their profession influences RT. Both MLS and RT students stated they benefited from the expertise of the other profession during the activity.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that RT and MLS students benefit from IPE events. IPE with these two student groups is an effective way to foster improved communication skills, understanding and interdependence between professions.