Physician assistant faculty coach students in teamwork using interprofessional training program

By Kate Hunger 

Two faculty in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies are leading a series of interprofessional teamwork training classes for School of Health Professions students.

Designed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Department of Defense (DoD), the evidence-based TeamSTEPPS training system uses standardized tools and strategies to improve interprofessional clinical teamwork and communication with the end goal of improving the safety and quality of patient care.

Leticia Bland, MPAS, PA-C, assistant professor and Meredith Quinene, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C, assistant professor at the department of physician assistant studies are coaching the more than 80 student participants from PA Studies, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Respiratory Care. Some of the topics covered in the sessions are defining a team, team structure, tools and strategies for better communication, situational awareness and supporting others, Bland said.

“We’re excited about it,” she said after the first of five sessions.

The first and second sessions were held Jan. 30 and Feb. 13, and the remaining three sessions will be conducted March 6, March 27 and April 3.

Bland said she hopes students will come away from the program with a stronger understanding of how allied health professions collaborate and complement each other as they work toward the same goal.    

“Students are more comfortable with knowing the responsibilities and goals for all professions that work together as a team taking care of patients,” she said of her hopes for the program’s impact.