Newly-Formed Interprofessional Education Committee Brings Students Together to Better Patient Outcomes

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., April 17, 2025 – West Liberty University’s (WLU) Interprofessional Education Committee (IPEC) hosted its first Interprofessional Collaboration Case Study Workshop on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 in the Student Leadership Center.

The IPEC guides and oversees interprofessional education initiatives, promoting collaboration among students from various professional backgrounds to enhance teamwork and improve patient care. The workshop served as an exciting new opportunity for students across all disciplines to become better prepared to collaborate as a team to assess and treat cases, leading to better patient outcomes. 

WLU faculty from the departments of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Exercise Physiology, Nursing, Physician Assistant (PA), Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, and more gave students a feel for what it is like to work on multidisciplinary teams and discuss patient cases, in medical, clinical, and educational settings.

Key objectives of the IPEC include:

Promote Interdisciplinary Learning: The IPEC develops programs that encourage students from various healthcare professions to learn together, understand each other’s roles, and build skills for effective team-based care.

Improve Patient-Centered Care: By facilitating collaboration between future healthcare professionals, IPEC aims to enhance the ability of teams to provide holistic, patient-centered care, improving health outcomes.

Foster Communication and Collaboration: The IPEC helps students learn how to communicate effectively across disciplines, ensuring that they can work together seamlessly in diverse healthcare environments.

Curriculum Development: The committee often plays a role in designing and integrating interprofessional education into the curricula of various programs, ensuring that collaborative skills are embedded throughout the learning process.

Support Professional Development: The IPEC provides opportunities for students and faculty to develop their skills in teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution, which are crucial in healthcare settings.

Advocate for Best Practices: The committee often serves as an advocate for best practices in interprofessional education, ensuring that the programs align with current evidence-based approaches to healthcare delivery.

IPEC Chair Dr. Stephanie Bradley speaks about the committee’s work in building a culture of collaboration and preparing students to become well-rounded professionals.

“The founding of the Interprofessional Education Committee at West Liberty University marks a pivotal moment in fostering a culture of teamwork, empathy, respect, and shared expertise across multiple disciplines,” Bradley explains. “We are dedicated to preparing students, not only within their fields, but alongside their peers/future colleagues, creating a foundation where collaboration leads to stronger, more comprehensive care in the outcomes of our future patients,” she adds.

More about the IPEC:
The Interprofessional Education Committee (IPEC) is a group formed within educational institutions to guide, develop, and oversee initiatives related to interprofessional education. The primary purpose of the committee is to foster collaboration and communication among students from different professional backgrounds, to enhance teamwork, and improve patient care outcomes in real-world settings.
 
More about West Liberty University:
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at wlibertydev.wpenginepowered.com/.