Enhancing Stroke Awareness Through Interprofessional Education and Collaboration

Stroke remains a leading cause of disability in the United States, disproportionately affecting older adults in underserved communities. This project, Enhancing Stroke Awareness Through Interprofessional Education and Collaboration, highlights a collaborative effort between graduate and undergraduate students in speech-language pathology, nursing, occupational therapy, community health, and addictions studies. The Interprofessional Education and Collaboration (IPEC) project was implemented at the Bremen Township Senior Wellness Center, engaging seniors in stroke awareness education, prevention strategies, and communication resources for stroke recovery. Through a three-session model, students developed interdisciplinary teamwork skills while providing community members with evidence-based information about stroke prevention, lifestyle modifications, and rehabilitation options. This poster presentation will showcase the development, implementation, and outcomes of this initiative. Topics include the role of each discipline in stroke prevention and recovery, best practices for interdisciplinary collaboration, and lessons learned in engaging diverse senior populations. Pre- and post-assessment results from the ICCAS-R tool will be discussed, demonstrating knowledge gains and attitudinal shifts in collaborative practice. The project also addresses health disparities by ensuring accessibility and cultural responsiveness in stroke education. This initiative aligns with GovState’s mission to integrate academic learning with community engagement, fostering future healthcare professionals' readiness for interprofessional collaboration. Attendees will gain insights into effective interprofessional education models and strategies for implementing similar health initiatives in their communities.