Abstract
OT and pharmacy students and faculty engaged in research to assess an engineer's adaptive syringe to dispense medication safely. This unique pedagogical collaboration in research provides a foundation for optimal interdisciplinary care of patients.
Primary Author and Speaker: Sheetal Parikh
Additional Authors and Speakers: Lynda Lemisch, Judith A. Parker Kent, Geraldine Healy Marini
This innovative interprofessional study was a collaboration among pharmacy (Ph), occupational therapy (OT), and engineering professions to address a unique challenge of accurately dispensing viscous medication via an adapted syringe. Students engaged in the research process, developed critical thinking skills, and prepared for future teamwork.1 The phenomenological design assessed student and faculty perceptions of this nontraditional research experience. Ph and OT graduate students were recruited via announcements and flyers. The Ph students (PhS) assembled the adapted syringe and dispensed different amounts of viscous liquid. The OT students (OTS) analyzed their accuracy in assembly, and issued self-rating performance scales. OTS created the assessment forms and were trained for inter-rater reliability. Students and faculty were assessed on their perceptions of this research experience. Seventy-three percent of students completed the post-study survey for qualitative data. Common student themes were: 1) value of the experience, preparation for real world collaboration, 2) common goal of client-centered safety, 3) fairly equal and alternating roles, 4) mutual respect, adaptability and problem solving. All would consider further iterations of the study experience. OT and Ph faculty comments included: 1) role modeling for students, 2) professional communication with other disciplines, 3) open-mindedness, 4) lifelong learning as practitioners and academicians, 4) mutual respect of other professions in research. A key strength of the research study was the utilization of OT and Ph discipline-specific skills and knowledge1 which lead to improved perspectives and fostered understanding of the others' abilities and roles in research and healthcare.1 Interprofessional pedagogy was teaching of the research process and facilitating students' competencies for effective teamwork, providing a foundation for future patient care.1,2
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Chabot, M., & Isetts, B. (2020). Interprofessional collaborations with occupational therapists and pharmacists in alternative payment models. SIS Quarterly Practice Connections, 5(1), 15–18. https://www.aota.org/publications/sis-quarterly/home-community-health-sis/hchsis-2-20