Binghamton University IPE Event Prepares Students for Real-World Healthcare Challenges

Interprofessional Education Event at Binghamton University Enhances Healthcare Skills

According to the World Health Organization, the global population of people aged 60 years and older is expected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050. This demographic shift underscores the urgent need for awareness and effective management of geriatric conditions. In 2020, the number of people aged 60 years and older outnumbered children younger than 5 years. By 2030, 1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60 years or over. These statistics highlight the growing importance of geriatric care and the need for compassionate support to help our elderly population navigate the complexities of ageing.

In line with this, On March 3rd, more than 120 students from Binghamton University’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and Upstate Medical University were given a unique and invaluable opportunity to immerse themselves in hands-on geriatric patient care.  This immersive experience was part of an Interprofessional Education (IPE) event designed to enhance students' practical skills and collaborative approach to healthcare.

Before the event commenced, Kenneth McCall, the chair and clinical professor of pharmacy practice, addressed the students. He outlined the key objectives of the visit, which included reviewing the medical history and active medical problems of geriatric patients, conducting a comprehensive medication review, and performing gait and balance assessments.  Additionally, student teams were tasked with completing a clinical assessment of fall risk factors and identifying potentially inappropriate medications. Professor McCall emphasised that the simulation was meticulously crafted to closely replicate real-life experiences in the field, providing students with a realistic and practical learning environment.

Students were grouped into teams of pharmacy, physical therapy, and medical students to conduct an annual wellness visit for an older adult. Denise Romano, assistant professor of physical therapy, expressed her excitement about involving her first class in the event. She highlighted the value of students learning from and with their peers in other disciplines. Although organising IPE activities can be challenging, she was pleased to see the event come together smoothly. During the four-hour training, students rotated working with 11 community volunteers acting as patients. Diane Sasina, a volunteer, praised the students for their thoroughness, organisation, professionalism, and teamwork, noting how comfortable they made her feel and their dedication to doing a good job. Lisa Mihalko, a former pharmacist and volunteer, emphasised the value of patient simulations for students learning. She shared that interacting with responsive patients offers the best training, recalling her nervousness as a student. Now experienced, she felt she had come full circle.

Hamza Rashid, a P3 Pharmacy student, highlighted the value of collaborating with medical and physical therapy students during the simulation. He found it eye-opening to understand their specialities and how they could work together to help patients, comparing their knowledge with his own. This event provided a realistic and enriching experience for students, promoting collaboration and enhancing their practical skills in geriatric patient care.

Editor's Note:

As the world's population continues to age, the importance of geriatric care cannot be overstated. The immersive hands-on experience provided by Binghamton University, Decker College, and Upstate Medical University serves as a testament to the collaborative and innovative approaches required to enhance geriatric patient care. The professionalism and commitment shown by the students, combined with the support from community volunteers, emphasize the importance of hands-on training for aspiring healthcare professionals. It’s encouraging to see initiatives that promote teamwork and improve the quality of patient care. This event highlights the power of practical, immersive education and sets a great example for other institutions to adopt.

Skoobuzz believes that as the healthcare field continues to evolve, prioritizing real-life experiences is essential to equip students with the knowledge and confidence needed to tackle the challenges of the profession.