This Lightning Talk presents a comparative analysis of two innovative interprofessional education (IPE) events delivered at Winston-Salem State University’s School of Health Sciences in 2023 and 2024. These events brought together over 650 students from diverse health disciplines—including nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, recreation therapy, medical laboratory science, social work, and healthcare management—to collaboratively explore real-world health disparities using a shared patient case. The 2023 event was conducted virtually using Zoom and EHRGo, while the 2024 event transitioned to a face-to-face format, leveraging a digital escape room simulation to enhance engagement and problem-solving.
Anchored in the IPEC Core Competencies and the WHO’s Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework, this study highlights how modality influences students’ perceptions of collaboration, communication, professional roles, and equity in care delivery. Findings from 298 post-event surveys demonstrate that both formats improved students’ interprofessional competencies and awareness of SDOH. However, face-to-face interactions resulted in significantly higher student engagement, stronger perceptions of shared decision-making, and a deeper appreciation for ethical challenges in team-based care.
This session will offer attendees practical insights on how format and structure affect interprofessional learning outcomes and will include lessons learned from integrating both digital and in-person experiential learning strategies. It addresses the Nexus Summit theme by emphasizing how education innovation—grounded in collaboration and health equity—translates to better care and better value across settings. The use of a simulated, equity-focused patient case allowed students to explore care planning with direct consideration of social needs, health disparities, and team wellness—aligning with the Quadruple Aim.
Recreation therapy students in particular found the face-to-face format empowering in demonstrating the holistic, individualized contributions of their profession. Students and faculty noted stronger interdisciplinary communication and clearer role articulation, validating the inclusion of all health professions in patient-centered decision-making.
This initiative represents a truly interprofessional and inter-institutional effort, involving collaboration between faculty, students, and clinical facilitators. It includes a student presenter, reflects direct learner outcomes, and serves as a call to action: design IPE that is both immersive and accessible. Attendees will leave with strategies to structure IPE events that balance technological tools with real-time human interaction, centering equity and connection as the foundation for collaborative care education.
Lightning Talk
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 1:15 pm - 2:15 pm CDT
Keywords:
Interprofessional education and collaborationexperiential learningescape room case study approach