Online Video Conferencing: A Promising Innovation in Interprofessional Education

J Allied Health. 2016 Fall;45(3):230-3.

Abstract

This pilot project demonstrated using online video conferencing with students from eight disciplines for providing care of a rural elder with multiple chronic conditions. Eighty-three students participated in 12 video case conferences, each led by a nurse-practitioner student. All students were given information on care of elders and the core competencies for interprofessional practice. Nurse-practitioner students were given information and practice on running a team meeting. A survey evaluated the activity in terms of interprofessional competency attainment in four domains (IPEC) by using data aggregated from 14 Likert scale questions. Participants (n=81, 98% response) rated the value of this activity highly (>60% strongly agreed and >25% agreed) across all four competency domains. Differences between disciplines were not found. Open-ended questions confirmed that the students valued the activity but also conveyed a desire for more in-person interprofessional activities to be included in their education.

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Geriatrics / education*
  • Health Occupations / education*
  • Humans
  • Interprofessional Relations*
  • Learning
  • Male
  • Students, Health Occupations*
  • Videoconferencing*