Digital Commons Network^™

An Interdisciplinary Learning Experience Through Applied Clinical Practice With Community Volunteers, Dana Howell, Nancy Devine, Lisa Portsman

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Faculty and Staff Research

Allied health professionals typically begin working on an interdisciplinary health care team immediately upon entering the workforce. Interdisciplinary health care teams are believed to be cost-effective, to result in better patient outcomes, and to lower staff burnout and turnover. Although teamwork often is standard practice in the workplace, allied health students may receive little to no formal training in working with other professionals while in school. Instead, it may be assumed that this knowledge is inherent or that developing the skills necessary to work as part of a team while on clinical affiliation or postgraduation is acceptable.