Exploring the influence student inter-professional teams may have on health outcomes in families with special needs children in a Latin American country

5^th International Conference on Family Nursing

June 13-15, 2016 Philadelphia, USA

Teresa Castro Twomey

Quinnipiac University School of Nursing, USA

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

The purpose of this project is to determine the influence a student inter-professional team approach may have on physical health outcomes (weight gain, mobility, range of motion) in families of children with complex health issues and disabilities in a Latin American country. Many universities provide students with opportunities to participate in outreach programs to Latin American countries. A literature search revealed limited data showing any impact these outreach programs have on health outcomes. Due to this lack of research, student inter-professional healthcare teams and their impact on healthcare outcomes require further exploration. The methods used to address this research problem will include two to three times a year alternating student visits by either an occupational therapy, physical therapy or nursing student (supervised by licensed professionals). During these visits, children will be assessed for mobility, range of motion and weight gain. Parents will be educated on performing interventions related to mobility and range of motion. Data on mobility, range of motion and weight will be collected by researchers during site visits to families. Case conferences will be held after each data collection period to discuss findings and adapt patientsâ�?�? plan of care as necessary. World Health Organization states, â�?�?Inter-professional education occurs when students from two or more professions learn about, from and with each other to enable effective collaboration and improve health outcomesâ�?. This research will help fill the gap on ways student inter-professional teams may positively influence physical health outcomes in families with children disabilities in a Latin American country.

Biography :

Teresa Castro Twomey is an Assistant Professor of Nursing in the Quinnipiac University School of Nursing. She has received her Doctorate in Education Leadership from the University of Hartford in 2013. She has been in Nursing Education for ten years and her clinical expertise focuses on pediatrics and neonatal intensive care nursing. Her research interest includes cultural sensitivity of healthcare providers and she currently serves as an Editorial Board Member of Pediatrics and Neonatal Nursing-Open Journal.

Email: Teresa.Twomey@quinnipiac.edu