Pilot Study Using A Remote Platform for Interprofessional Consult Clinics: A Unique Spin on Student-Led Free Clinics

Abstract

Student-led clinics offer opportunities for students to engage in interprofessional education (IPE); however, scheduling and transportation difficulties can affect their participation. Telehealth platforms may overcome some of these challenges. Students in health professional programs held monthly interprofessional consultation clinics (IPCC) for family medicine patients referred by their primary care providers. To improve accessibility, in-person visits were switched to telehealth encounters. Furthermore, to investigate the impact of the clinic on IPE competencies, students were invited to complete the Interprofessional Collaborative Competency Attainment Survey (ICCAS) questionnaire before and after the clinic sessions. Debriefs and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders were conducted at the clinics. Over the course of 1 year, 13 patients were seen at monthly clinics staffed by 156 individuals (i.e., students and providers from medicine, nursing, dietitian, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, and social work programs). Paired student responses to the ICCAS demonstrated a significant change at the post-clinic time point compared to pre-visit responses. The clinics generated 124 recommendations for the reference providers. The providers were enthusiastic about the model and indicated the implementation of several student suggestions. The patients appreciated their attention, recommendations, and the ability to participate at home. Even when conducted using telehealth technologies, IPCCs appear to promote students’ attainment of interprofessional competencies and are favorably received by stakeholders.