Emphasizing Interprofessional Education Through a Virtual Case Study in a Medical Nutrition Therapy Course

Authors

Natalie B. Allen, Missouri State UniversityFollow
Traci A. Garrison, Missouri State UniversityFollow
Wendy R. Jackson, Missouri State UniversityFollow
Bonnie K. Slavych, Missouri State UniversityFollow

Author Biographical Information

Natalie Allen, MEd, RDN, LD, is a clinical associate professor in dietetics at Missouri State University. Traci Garrison, DHSc, OTR/L, is a clinical associate professor, occupational therapy, at Missouri State University. Wendy Jackson, MSW, LCSW, is an instructor in social work at Missouri State University. Bonnie Slavych, PhD, CCC-SLP, ACUE, is an assistant professor and researcher in communication sciences and disorders at Missouri State University.

Abstract

This observational research presents multi-year findings of a project using an online case study implemented in an undergraduate Medical Nutrition Therapy class that fostered interprofessional collaboration among students from various healthcare disciplines. The case study focused on a fictional patient with an ischemic stroke and all work was virtual. Students from various allied healthcare fields were represented: dietetics and nutrition, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and social work. Both undergraduate and graduate students participated in developing a virtual care plan for the patient, with an emphasis on helping students explain their role to the team, while simultaneously learning how to collaborate with other healthcare providers virtually. Results indicated significant improvement in students' knowledge across multiple subject areas, enhanced communication within simulated healthcare teams, and a deeper understanding of cross-disciplinary clinical roles. Participating students reported increased confidence as they entered dietetic internships and graduate programs, as well as better preparation for healthcare team interactions. This virtual case study was designed with scalability in mind, allowing it to be easily adapted to accommodate varying class sizes and cater to diverse allied health disciplines. The assignment provided professional training in effective communication and made it a valuable addition to dietetic education. Results indicated significant improvement in students' knowledge across multiple subject areas, enhanced communication within simulated healthcare teams, and a deeper understanding of cross-disciplinary clinical roles. Participating students reported increased confidence as they entered dietetic internships and graduate programs, as well as better preparation for healthcare team interactions. This virtual case study was designed with scalability in mind, allowing it to be easily adapted to accommodate varying class sizes and cater to diverse allied health disciplines. The assignment provided professional world training in effective communication and made it a valuable addition to dietetic education.

Recommended Citation

Allen, Natalie B.; Garrison, Traci A.; Jackson, Wendy R.; and Slavych, Bonnie K. (2024) "Emphasizing Interprofessional Education Through a Virtual Case Study in a Medical Nutrition Therapy Course," Journal of Dietetic Education: Vol. 2: Iss. 2, Article 3.
Available at: https://ecommons.udayton.edu/jde/vol2/iss2/3