Interprofessional Education Between Recreational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology in Long-Term Care

Authors

  • Shelly Beaver Old Dominion University
  • Rachel Johnson Old Dominion University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2025-V59-I1-12600

Keywords:

recreational therapy/therapeutic recreation, speech-language pathology;, interprofessional collaborative practice, interprofessional education, Implementation, Client-centered care, long term care

Abstract

 

 Interprofessional education (IPE) prepares professionals and students in pre-professional training with the knowledge and skills to provide collaborative comprehensive person-centered care. Students who engage in IPE interactive learning activities learn from, with, and about various professions and have a greater appreciation for and understanding of the benefits and challenges of interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP). With an increase in the aging population, there is a high demand for effective service delivery to maintain social connections to thrive socially, physically, and psychologically, particularly in long-term care (LTC) settings. In this practice perspectives paper, we provide a practical guideline implementing best practice models of IPE between recreational therapy and speech-language pathology students during pre-service training. We illustrate the four-phase model of IPE employed in our curriculum, consisting of a didactic component, a service learning component, and an experiential learning opportunity through a community partnership with local LTC centers. Through an integrated and experiential learning approach, recreational therapy and speech-language pathology students expanded their siloed views of clinical practice while deepening their understanding of interprofessional service delivery. The interprofessional approach to person-centered care for the social engagement of residents in the LTC setting applies to clients across the lifespan and multiple work settings. The overall experience contributed to the students’ professional growth to serve as positive members of an IPCP team. 

Published

2025-03-02

Issue

Section

Special Issue