Pilot for Learning Interprofessional Physical Assessment Skills

• No difference in final exam and course grades between pilot and standard courses.
• Students request more interprofessional courses despite some negative experiences.
• Nursing students role model patient interaction for School of Medicine students.

A 6-week pilot study of graduate nursing students and School of Medicine students integrated into the same learning laboratory with the same testing and passing standards in a physical assessment course showed no negative impact on learning outcomes when compared with a concurrently run traditional course. Focus group comments revealed a positive attitude toward continued interprofessional experiences and the development of mutual respect between students, despite some disruptive impact on their personal lives. Scoring on the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning survey had a ceiling effect. A full integration of both school cohorts is planned.