Interprofessional Education for Elderly Home Care by Mahasarakham University, Thailand: The 2018 Academic Year

Chanuttha Ploylearmsang, Sirinart Tongsiri, Thanapong Poophalee, Wiravan Kumvan, Umaporn Pupphachai,

Suntaree Toogjit, Natapol Pumipuntu, Phuangchomphu Chaiala Sangrungruengroj, Angkana Promruksa

(Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahasarakham University (MSU), Thailand)

Abstract: Interprofessional Education (IPE) in Mahasarakham University is a collaboration among 6 faculties: Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Veterinary Science, Informatics, and Architecture, with the aim of improving elderly patient care at home. 492 second-year-MSU students have learnt the concept of holistic healthcare for the elderly, including the adjustment of housing conditions and environment through the Universal Design (UD) concept and the communication media construction. Students visited the elderly in 50 households. It was found that the students involved have gained an improved attitude towards IPE. The assessment results with regard to student’s behaviour in interprofessional work during home visits have also been good. Elderly patients are highly satisfied with the students’ work. 50 innovative ideas to improve the quality of life of the elderly have been created. Improvements of the elderly’s home environment have also been planned, in order to increase safety levels.

Key words: interprofessional education (IPE), patient, elderly, home care, innovation