Cross collaboration between disciplines was a foundational part of the creation of the College of HEST. During spring 2022, the School of Nursing invited athletic training students to collaborate on musculoskeletal evaluation techniques during their physical assessment skill labs.
Athletic training students demonstrated techniques common in sports medicine for measuring joint range of motion, evaluating gait mechanics and assessing muscle strength of the major muscle groups. The two groups were able to discuss differences in population needs, such as evaluating fall risks, and how athletic trainers and nurses can work together to improve patient outcomes.
“The potential for additional collaborations within the College of HEST certainly exists and can and will be explored,” says Sharon Flaherty, college assistant professor of nursing.
These collaborations created an increased understanding between the two fields and allowed both sets of students to engage with different learning styles and applications of skills.
“I think all of us are looking forward to more interprofessional education opportunities involving as many programs within HEST as possible,” says Kim O’Connell, interim co-department head of kinesiology and program director of the athletic training program.
“Helping students form connections with other future professionals is not only an essential part of academic accreditation standards but, also benefits the community by emphasizing the team approach to health, education and social transformation.”
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