Healthcare students from Eastern Michigan University learn about the importance of collaboration in patient care

Eastern Michigan University students from various disciplines within healthcare came together as the College of Health and Human Services hosted a virtual Excellence in Interprofessional Education event in November. The event, attended by over 150 staff, students, and medical professionals, examined the case of a local man who contracted COVID-19 in the spring, then experienced a stroke nearly two weeks into quarantine. Students were able to observe how professionals from multiple medical specializations worked together on his treatment and recovery plan.

Students began by watching a presentation by EMU professors which described the case in detail. After that, students broke into smaller groups to talk about the case and then returned to the main session to continue the discussion and hear observations from the medical professionals that worked on the case. Through the event, students were able to understand how the various providers worked together to help the patient achieve the goals needed to allow him to return home.

Sean, a 51 year old man from Wayne county, spent months in an inpatient rehabilitation facility after suffering a stroke while in quarantine after contracting the coronavirus. Sean continues to receive rehabilitation services at home. The treatment he received came from physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and speech therapists. A professional from each discipline that was directly involved in Sean's care and rehabilitation offered their insights to his recovery, stressing that it took the expertise of multiple professionals to achieve the desired health outcomes. The presentation ended with a video of Sean leaving the rehabilitation facility to the applause of many of his care providers.