Interprofessional Education

The Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions Interprofessional Education (IPE) Committee promotes educational collaboration among students and faculty. The committee prepares highly competent and compassionate healthcare professionals who utilize interprofessional communication and teamwork to optimize patient outcomes. It also educates and develops highly impactful interprofessional leaders in healthcare.

Vision

 

 

The Dumke College of Health Professions Interprofessional Education Committee works to develop interprofessional leaders prepared to change the healthcare environment by:

  • Maintaining a climate of mutual respect
  • Encouraging interprofessional collaboration among faculty and students
  • Conducting interdisciplinary research
  • Enhancing educational outcomes

Working with the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program at Weber State University.

Anya Strauss

"I came to Weber State as an incredibly lost college sophomore, feeling like I knew I wanted to be in school, but I didn’t feel like any major was a perfect fit for me. The BIS program attracted me because it allowed me to craft my education toward what specifically interested me. I had more room for exploration in my four years than I ever dreamed possible and incredible mentors to help me navigate the process. The BIS program made it, so I didn’t need to squeeze myself into a box. I could pursue all the things that excited me and find a path where I didn’t have to sacrifice any of them in the name of a degree. Having such a basis of passion in my undergraduate studies has made me a strong and unique candidate for employment and graduate schools. Still, more importantly, it has set me up for a joyful and purpose-driven life."

-- Anya Strauss, BIS graduate

IPE Student and Faculty Research

 

2026

  • Exercise RX: Weight Training as Essential Injury Prevention in the Aging Population: Seniors attended a Research Evidence-Based Practice & Service-Learning presentation at GOAL Foundation.  A second seminar was given to the members of The Golden Hours Senior Center to increase their free weight room access.  
    Learning objectives featured:
    - Learn how to prevent injury & falls
    - Access to a beginner weight training program via brochure and digital QR code
    - Demonstrate safe body mechanics with exercise Service Impact
    - This project informed older adults of weight training as the best practice to avoid falls and injury
    - Learning supported weight training education as preventative health measures to reverse muscle loss, improve mood and control comorbidities
    - Community engagement was strengthened by project aims References
    - Understand the importance of weight training program adoption as a tool for health promotion 

2025

  • A Comparison of Satisfaction Between Three Cryotherapy Modalities: Students and faculty from Athletic Training conducted a study to compare patient satisfaction between cryocompression modalities ranging from ~$15 for a frozen elastic bandage to ~$3,000-4,000 for the Game Ready 2.1.

  • Implementation of a Transition of Care Model at a College Counseling Center: Stephanie Wheatley, Weber State Student in the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program, did her quality improvement project that aimed to implement a Transition of Care Model (TCM) and student pamphlet (My Path) at a college counseling center (CCC) to support clinician decision-making processes, empower student participation, and enhance campus and community connections. 

  • A Comparison of Intramuscular Temperature between Three Cryotherapy Modalities: Students and faculty from Athletic Training conducted an additional study that compared the effectiveness of the Game Ready 2.1 Pro (~$3,000), the NICE1 System (~$4,000), and a frozen elastic bandage (~$15) with a non-stick coating layer in lowering intramuscular temperature in recreationally-active individuals. 

  • Exploring the Role of mTOR-Akt Signaling in Retinotectal Arborization and ASD-like Behaviors in Zebrafish Exposed to Valproic Acid: Weber State University Students Norah Mead-Fajardo from the Department of Microbiology, and Sylvia Martinez and Selafina Ngalu from the Department of Chemistry investigated how valproic acid (VPA) exposure affects mTOR-Akt signaling in zebrafish, focusing on its impact on retinotectal arborization and ASD-like behaviors.

  • Development of a Comprehensive Interprofessional Education (IPE) Strategic Plan: An Academic Quality Improvement Project: Laura K. Jones, a student in the WSU Doctor of Nursing Practice Program, completed a quality improvement project to incorporate IPE within the college, thereby aligning academic practice with best practice. The literature indicates that incorporating interprofessional collaborative experiences for students leads to improved patient outcomes and the ability for new graduates to better function in complex healthcare environments. A multidisciplinary committee was utilized to develop a comprehensive 5-year IPE strategic plan that, when implemented, will provide healthcare students with opportunities to develop interprofessional skills and competencies.

  • Student Insights on an Interdisciplinary Engineering Capstone Project with a Clear Client-Customer Relationship: For years, Travis Price, from the Department of Health Sciences, has wanted to be able to teach the fluid dynamics of the nephron of the kidney in a hands-on and interactive way. There are currently no models available that can do this. A casual conversation with Randy Hurd from the Mechanical Engineering department lead to the development of a project in which ME students built a mechanical nephron complete with adjustable valves, pumps and hoses. This machine allows students to manipulate different vessel diameters, which allows them a real-life, tactical way to explore how the kidneys effectively filters our blood. 

Ghana

 

 

Interprofessional education is a way to break down barriers in healthcare and allow students to learn from others outside of their field. Our Ghana study abroad trip incorporated students from medical laboratory science, nursing, social work, interior design and construction management.

We traveled to the campus of Ghana Make a Difference to help build a new school for their rescued children, upgrade existing structures, screen community members for upcoming surgical medical missions, and check the overall health of the children at the school and the surrounding communities.

Nursing, social work and medical laboratory science students worked together to provide medical screenings for hundreds of patients in Accra, Ghana.

Learn about the Ghana Study Abroad program by visiting the Study Abroad website or by watching the Medical Fieldwork in Ghana video.

New IPE Courses

 

Nursing 3440 Resilience in Healthcare

The healthcare profession is highly rewarding, yet it often comes with significant stress. This course explores the factors contributing to stress among healthcare professionals. Burnout is a common consequence of workplace stress, and students will examine its causes while learning effective strategies for prevention and intervention.

MLS 4110/ HNRS 2040LS/ HNRS 4920 Collaborative Care: Interdisciplinary Healthcare Teams

In this course, medical professionals from all disciplines will develop the skills to collaborate effectively, communicate across roles, and build strategies to enhance patient care. By exploring the responsibilities and scope of practice of various healthcare professions, you will gain a deeper understanding of team dynamics, resilience, conflict resolution, and cultural competence. The curriculum emphasizes sustainable practices and interdisciplinary teamwork, equipping you with the tools to navigate complex healthcare environments and improve patient-centered outcomes.

PAR 3110 Critical Care Transport

This course will prepare experienced paramedics and registered nurses to become part of a highly functioning critical care transport team, often transporting high risk patients. Topics covered include; 1) History and role of critical care transport; 2) General principles of critical care transport, 3) Patient care principles 4) Trauma emergencies; 5) Medical emergencies; 6) Environmental emergencies 7) Special populations, and 8) Medical, legal and patient care issues in critical care transport. While the course is primarily oriented to ground transportation, the content presented will allow a student take the National Flight Nurse/Paramedic exam.