The preschool amplification interprofessional collaboration: An IPE clinical program for speech-language pathology and audiology graduate students

This study examined the impact of an interprofessional preschool clinical practicum on graduate students' attitudes toward interprofessional education. The Preschool Amplification Interprofessional Collaboration (PAIC) is a semester-long clinical practicum between audiology and speech-language pathology graduate students, developed by clinical faculty in both disciplines. Fifteen graduate students collaborated in a preschool setting to provide services to two clients. They completed The Student Perception of Interprofessional Clinical Education - Revised (SPICE-R2) and supplementary survey questions as pre and post measures, which were compared through quantitative analysis. Written responses to reflective questions, completed at the end of the practicum, were analyzed thematically. Results showed a statistically significant increase in the group's SPICE-R2 responses related to Patient Outcomes from Collaboration. Qualitative analysis of written reflections revealed themes of greater understanding of roles/responsibilities of the other discipline, increased appreciation for collaboration, and learning of specific skills related to the other discipline. Intentional long-term clinical IPE experiences, such as this, may support students' openness to future interprofessional practice as they work together in a clinical setting. In this study, positive impacts were noted with respect to students' attitudes toward IPE. Students and professionals observed benefits to clients, which included consistent, efficient service delivery, and effective multi-disciplinary problem-solving in clients' natural learning environment. Future directions could include exploring the impact of this program on clients, their families, and the clinical faculty. Expanding the collaborative activities within the program will also be explored.