Using the IDEA framework in an interprofessional didactic elective course to facilitate positive changes in the roles and responsibility competency

Interprofessional education (IPE) has become an important component of health professions curricula due to evidence that interprofessional collaborative practice improves health outcomes for patients. To increase opportunities for IPE for learners in our institutions, an IPE elective was developed for students in the schools within Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and Xavier University College of Pharmacy in New Orleans, Louisiana. The IDEA framework, a published framework for IPE curriculum development, was utilized to design learning activities. To assess the effect of using the IDEA framework to target the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) competency related to roles and responsibilities, the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) was administered to students before and after the course. Comparison of the results showed a significant positive difference on items within the roles and responsibilities subscale after participating in the course. Developing the curriculum using the IDEA framework likely contributed to this effect by intentionally providing ample time for interaction and designing learning activities aimed at helping students recognize one another's roles and contributions to health care.