Alderson Broaddus University and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine partnered for a day of hands-on training Wednesday, Oct. 10. Allied health students from each of the institutions—including up and coming doctors from the osteopathic medical program and AB nursing and physician assistant studies majors—worked in teams in clinical settings throughout various clinical scenarios.
AB’s Dean of the College of Medical Sciences Thomas Moore stated, “Evidence suggests that interprofessional teams achieve better outcomes and that team-based care should become the norm in clinical practice.”
The ongoing collaboration between AB and the WV School of Osteopathic Medicine reinforces the importance of health care providers working with people from within their profession, with people outside the profession, and with patients and their families to provide patient-centered care to improve health outcomes. During each demonstration, AB students acted as educators, showcasing the knowledge learned inside and outside the classroom.
“It’s essential for each group to understand how to lead and how to follow,” said Clinical Education Director Rachel Propst. “We’re moving into a time in medicine where it’s crucial for nurses and physician assistants to share their areas of expertise with doctors.”
A helicopter demonstration by Air Evac Lifeteam, out of Summersville, took place and allowed students to witness and participate in a mock air evacuation. The day wrapped up with case study analysis to develop specific plans to improve the “gap” in health care delivery situations.
“Through all these demonstrations and clinical scenarios, we’re giving students opportunities to assume roles and begin to practice before they are out in the professional field,” said Propst. “We’re challenging students to be better nurses, better physician assistants, and better doctors to focus on the patient.”
The interprofessional learning experience prepares students for team-based practice to better deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.
For more information on AB’s physician assistant studies and nursing programs, please visit www.ab.edu.
