Interprofessional Education to Improve Team Performance

Abstract

PURPOSE: This innovation project tested the effect of interprofessional education (IPE) on clinical team performance and on a specific patient harm indicator, peripheral intravenous infiltration and extravasation (PIVIE) rates in neonates. METHODS: In November 2024, five nurses, one physician, one dietitian, one pharmacist and two quality improvement specialists practicing in Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware’s NICU collaborated with the project leader to design an educational activity focused on PIVIE prevention. This team’s recommendations for building PIVIE prevention knowledge and increasing interprofessional competencies in the areas of teamwork, role clarity, teamwork and shared values culminated in delivery of six educational sessions. A total of 53 participants that included nurses, providers, pharmacists, dietitians, and students attended the educational sessions. Participants completed pre- and post- tests assessing PIVIE prevention knowledge as well as surveys about changes in their self-assessed interprofessional competencies. RESULTS: The project resulted in several positive outcomes, including improvement in interprofessional competencies and a gain in knowledge about PIVIE prevention, with an average pre-test score of 77% and an average post-test score of 89%. Following completion of the interprofessional education sessions, PIVIE rates dropped to zero and were sustained at that level for two consecutive months. Feedback from post-activity evaluations attests to the value of intentionally including multiple disciplines in a shared learning activity. This approach promotes respect for the expertise of others and increases the team’s effectiveness in delivering safe, high-quality care. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: To promote development of interprofessional competencies, clinicians practicing in high-acuity settings should partner with clinical educators to design IPE activities focused on identified learning needs. As new clinicians are hired, incorporating IPE into orientation curricula is also recommended. High-functioning teams improve organizational culture and drive a focus on patient safety, with the potential to reduce patient harm as well as cost.