The University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Academic Health Sciences Center (AHSC) has garnered significant recognition for its groundbreaking work in interprofessional education (IPE) and collaborative health care practices. The AHSC has been awarded the prestigious Award for Institutional Excellence and Innovation in Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Health Care by the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP). This accolade underscores the center’s commitment to fostering integrated, team-based learning and service in the field of health professions.
Comprehensive Approach to Collaborative Healthcare Education
Integrative Educational Experience
UCF’s AHSC comprises four integral components: the College of Medicine, College of Health Professions and Sciences, College of Nursing, and Student Health Services. Each of these units works synergistically to provide a holistic and integrated educational experience. Programs are meticulously designed to fuse education, research, and patient care, creating a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and excellence among students and faculty.
This integrative approach ensures that students across disciplines are not just learning in silos but are actively engaging with peers from other fields, laying the groundwork for their future teamwork in clinical settings. By immersing students in a collaborative atmosphere, they are better prepared to enter the healthcare workforce where multidisciplinary cooperation is essential. Faculty members from the different colleges work closely to design curricula that reflect the interconnectedness of various health professions, ensuring that graduates not only possess deep knowledge in their areas of study but also understand the roles and expertise of their colleagues in other sectors.
Student-Centered Initiatives
One standout initiative at the AHSC is the Comprehensive Medical Care Outreach Team, a collaborative effort with the Farmworker Association of Florida launched in 2016. This program tackles healthcare access barriers and addresses social determinants of health for underserved populations. Over the past five years, more than 1,100 students from diverse health disciplines have participated, serving over 700 patients. Services include point-of-care testing, pharmaceutical supplies, nutrition education, counseling, and referrals for further care, providing students invaluable, real-world clinical experience.
This initiative is not only beneficial for the participating students but also significantly impacts the community. By offering much-needed healthcare services to underserved populations, the program bridges gaps in access and addresses key social determinants of health. The real-world experience gained by the students is irreplaceable, allowing them to see firsthand the complexities of healthcare delivery in marginalized communities. Moreover, the collaborative nature of the initiative fosters an environment of mutual learning and respect among future healthcare providers, ensuring they are better equipped to handle the intricacies of collaborative practice in their careers.
Community-Centric Programs
The KNIGHTS Clinic
Another prominent program under the AHSC’s umbrella is the Keeping Neighbors In Good Health Through Service (KNIGHTS) Clinic, which provides medical services to approximately 150 uninsured patients annually. In collaboration with Grace Medical Home, the clinic engages medical and social work faculty and students in interdisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive healthcare, health promotion, disease prevention, and case management, ensuring patients receive high-quality, evidence-based care.
The interdisciplinary teams at the KNIGHTS Clinic work tirelessly to ensure that the care provided is both comprehensive and holistic. By incorporating social work into the healthcare teams, the clinic is able to address not only the medical needs of patients but also the social factors impacting their health. This approach has been instrumental in improving health outcomes for the clinic’s patients, many of whom face significant barriers to accessing traditional healthcare services. The ongoing research and evaluation of the clinic’s practices ensure that the care provided is continuously refined and based on the latest evidence, making a significant difference in the lives of the patients served.
Pediatric Focus: Mighty Knights and Go Baby Go!
Focusing on pediatric care, the Mighty Knights and Go Baby Go! initiatives are exemplary in their approach to improving the quality of life and independence of children with complex communication and mobility needs. Interdisciplinary collaboration is at the core, with students from speech-language pathology, physical therapy, medicine, and engineering working together to create customized mobility solutions and inclusive play experiences. These hands-on projects offer students practical learning opportunities while significantly benefiting the participating children and their families.
Through these initiatives, students learn to navigate the complexities of pediatric care and understand the profound impact that assistive technology can have on a child’s development and quality of life. The Mighty Knights program organizes inclusive play experiences for children with complex communication and motor needs, utilizing mobility supports and specially trained students and faculty clinicians. Meanwhile, the Go Baby Go! program adapts ride-on toys for children with mobility and cognitive impairments, providing a fun and functional way for them to experience greater mobility. These programs not only benefit the children involved but also foster a sense of accomplishment and real-world skills among the participating students.
Innovation in Health Promotion and Neurologic Care
Interprofessional Health Promotion Course
In January 2023, UCF introduced an interprofessional health promotion course designed to equip future healthcare providers with crucial resilience-building strategies. To date, 872 students from medicine, nursing, social work, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology have completed this virtual course. The aim is to expand the course offerings globally as a free online program, particularly targeting providers serving military veterans, uninsured, and underserved populations. The emerging research from this course has gained attention at national and international conferences, underlining its impact and significance.
The course’s curriculum is designed to provide students with the tools necessary to build resilience and maintain their well-being, which are critical skills in the demanding field of healthcare. By focusing on resilience-building strategies, the course helps future healthcare providers manage stress, prevent burnout, and deliver high-quality care to their patients. The virtual format of the course makes it accessible to a wide audience, enabling healthcare providers around the world to benefit from this valuable training. The positive reception and interest from national and international conferences highlight the importance of this initiative in promoting the well-being of healthcare professionals.
Neurologic IPE Day
UCF recently also initiated a Neurologic IPE Day, first hosted in Spring 2024. This event brought together over 50 students across various disciplines, including physical therapy, social work, health sciences, and speech-language pathology. Students interacted with families dealing with acquired neurologic disorders such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and progressive supranuclear palsy, collaborating to conduct health and wellness assessments and provide ongoing care recommendations. This multidisciplinary approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of patient well-being.
By bringing students from different disciplines together to address the complex needs of patients with neurologic disorders, the Neurologic IPE Day fosters a deep understanding of interdisciplinary collaboration. The event provides an invaluable opportunity for students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios, working closely with families and patients to develop comprehensive care plans. The experience gained from this event helps prepare students to work effectively in team-based care environments, ensuring they can provide holistic and patient-centered care throughout their careers. The feedback from participants and their families underscores the positive impact of this initiative on both students and patients.
Recognized Leadership and Faculty Contributions
The recognition of UCF’s extensive efforts in promoting interprofessional education and collaborative practice is a testament to the faculty at the AHSC. Key faculty members include professionals from the College of Medicine, such as Professor Magdalena Pasarica and Associate Professor Denise Kay, and lecturers from the College of Nursing like Heather Peralta. Significant contributions also come from the College of Health Professions and Sciences, with faculty such as Clinical Associate Professor Jennifer Tucker and Assistant Professor Julie Feuerstein playing pivotal roles. Their relentless dedication and innovative teaching methodologies have been integral to UCF’s achievements and recognition.
The faculty’s commitment to fostering an environment of collaboration and excellence is evident in the numerous successful initiatives and programs developed at the AHSC. These educators work tirelessly to create curricula that emphasize interprofessional education and prepare students for the realities of collaborative healthcare practice. Their efforts have not only earned national recognition but also have a lasting impact on the students and communities they serve. The dedication and innovative approaches of these faculty members continue to set UCF’s AHSC apart as a leader in healthcare education and practice.
Conclusion
The University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Academic Health Sciences Center (AHSC) has received substantial acclaim for its innovative work in interprofessional education (IPE) and cooperative health care practices. Recently, the AHSC earned the esteemed Award for Institutional Excellence and Innovation in Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Health Care from the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP). This honor emphasizes the center’s dedication to promoting integrated, team-based learning and service in health professions.
With a focus on fostering collaboration among different healthcare disciplines, the AHSC’s approach helps students and professionals alike to develop versatile skills that are essential in today’s healthcare environment. By breaking down traditional silos and encouraging a holistic approach to patient care, the center is shaping the future of health education and practice. Faculty, students, and healthcare partners work in unison, creating a dynamic learning environment that reflects real-world scenarios. Such initiatives are critical as the healthcare industry evolves, demanding proficient, collaborative efforts to improve patient outcomes and streamline services.
