A community-based interprofessional education fall prevention project

This paper describes a grant-funded, interprofessional education (IPE) project involving occupational therapy, physical therapy, and pharmacy students who screened older adults in an assisted living/independent living community for falls. Occupational therapy students completed environmental screenings, physical therapy students completed gait and balance screenings, and pharmacy students completed medication reviews. This program was evaluated before, during, and after the experience by the students, faculty leaders, and community partner. The students completed the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) Questionnaire and the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS). Quantitative and qualitative analysis were completed to determine the value of this project for interprofessional learning. The results indicated changes in perception of the students for teamwork, communication, patient care, and safety. The students also reported this activity to be realistic and applicable to their future practice. Faculty leader and community partner feedback revealed positive perspectives for the project. This program was also well-received in the community.