Students from Occupational Therapist Assistant, Physiotherapist Assistant, and Pharmacy programs had the opportunity to learn from one another as part of an interprofessional educational event in early November.
Interprofessional learning is alive and well in the Applied Health Institute.
On Nov. 6, an interprofessional education event was held for students from the College’s Occupational Therapist Assistant, Physiotherapist Assistant, and Pharmacy programs – including Pharmacy Technician and Retail Pharmacy Assistant.
Organizer Debi Francis, who is an Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant professor, noted that the purpose of the event was for students to collaborate and learn about medical equipment and devices that would be found in a community pharmacy. Students in the OTA and PTA programs, used their knowledge about materials and equipment found in a retail pharmacy to help educate students in the pharmacy programs.
“As the pharmacy students will have placements in this practice area, it is beneficial for them to develop an awareness of the types of equipment that would be located in a community pharmacy for purchase or rental by clients,” she said. “The OTA and PTA students are educated on the types of equipment and devices and explain the functions of the various medical equipment, as well as the type of clientele who might use the equipment and/or devices.”
Francis noted that the event brought students from three program areas within the School of Allied Health together to learn about and from one another. It also provided them with the opportunity to gain new knowledge and apply their knowledge with their peers.
“The students are tentative at the onset of the session; however within minutes the volume in the rooms and the level of collaboration is inspiring,” she said. “Interacting with students from other programs prepares the students for their future clinical practice. This session highlights the importance of each healthcare profession’s valuable role on the interprofessional team through effective communication, active listening and peer collaboration.”
This was the third collaborative event that has taken place since fall 2014 for the programs.
