KYCOM IPE

The KYCOM interprofessional educational collaboration includes first and second-year students in the Osteopathic Patient Care I, II, III, and IV courses. The small group interaction intends to have health care team building and communication. KYCOM continues the philosophy of interprofessional collaboration during the student clinical experience in years three and four with the integration and utilization of various levels of healthcare.

KYCOM interprofessional education (IPE) is a collaborative approach in developing health professions students who ultimately become interdisciplinary team members in complex healthcare issues.  This includes the University of Pikeville School of Nursing, the University of Pikeville School of Social Work, the Appalachian School of Pharmacy, and the Kentucky College of Optometry. Such educational programs enhance communication and collaboration that will ultimately lead to improved patient care by establishing realistic expectations among team members. 

The approach is the establishment of educational didactic models which emphasize interprofessional team-building skills, knowledge of professions within healthcare, patient-centered care, service learning, and the impact of culture on healthcare delivery.  The intent is to begin at the initial level of healthcare education with interdisciplinary student interaction to improve healthcare expectations and healthcare experience while minimizing healthcare self-esteem. 

For more information on KYCOM’s IPE program visit: https://sites.google.com/acp.edu/ipe-fall2021/home