Date of Submission

2020

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department Chair

Stephanie Felgoise, PhD, ABPP

First Advisor

Stephanie Felgoise, PhD, ABPP

Second Advisor

Barbara Golden, PsyD, ABPP

Third Advisor

Michael Becker, DO

Abstract

Multidisciplinary teams have been identified as an effective approach to improving patient treatment outcomes for a number of health conditions, including cancer and depression. Interprofessional education (IPE) facilitates learning opportunities for health professional students to gain exposure to the ways different healthcare professions can work together to provide patient care. The objective of this study was to assess graduate and medical students’ ratings of health care professional characteristics after engaging in an IPE experience. A survey using the Student Stereotypes Rating Questionnaire (SSRQ), which consists of a five-point Likert-type scale was utilized to carry out the study goals. Each student rated health professionals on nine characteristics: academic ability, interpersonal skills, professional competence, leadership, practical skills, independence, confidence, decision-making, and being a team player. In addition, a measure was created for the purpose of this study to examine student’s ability to name ways that each healthcare profession could contribute to the care of five health conditions from the CDCs top 10 causes of death. This study indicates the existence of professional stereotypes. Overall, student perceptions of their own profession and the others were generally positive and students were able to name ways each profession could contribute to patient care. Findings support the incorporation of IPE sessions that address the specific role and functions of other health care professions to patient care to support the development of professionals prepared to join healthcare teams.

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