By Hayden Gooding
University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky’s Center for Interprofessional and Community Health Education (CICHE) recently hosted its annual Interprofessional Collaboration and Team Skills training, known as iCATS. This important event unites students from various disciplines, including Medicine, Dentistry, Health Sciences, Nursing, Public Health, Pharmacy, and Social Work. This year, over 900 students participated across campuses in Lexington, Bowling Green, and Northern Kentucky.
Students teamed up in groups to learn about each other’s roles. In Lexington alone, there were 82 teams. Each group engaged in activities aimed at improving communication and collaboration, leading to realistic simulations with a standardized patient. These exercises helped them understand how different professions contribute uniquely to patient care.
“One key takeaway was seeing how each discipline contributes to the healthcare process,” said Courtney Tipton, a master’s student in communication sciences and disorders. “Understanding this enhances the care we can provide to patients.”
Healthcare is complex. It’s rare for one profession to manage all aspects of a patient’s needs. This training emphasizes that effective care relies on teamwork. “Collaborating helps clarify when to reach out to other professionals,” said Caroline Thigpen, also in communication sciences and disorders. “This kind of awareness is part of providing thoughtful patient care.”
Research highlights that patients often receive better care when treated by interprofessional teams. A study from the World Health Organization (WHO) supports this, noting that teamwork can significantly improve health outcomes. This makes iCATS vital for future healthcare providers.
Every group tackled specific patient scenarios. These included managing conversations with patients facing substance use issues or dealing with medical errors. Each simulation helps students practice real-world challenges.
Kara Lee, director of physical therapy clinical education, points out that the sooner students learn to work together, the better equipped they’ll be in their careers. “These interactions build a foundation for open communication,” she said. “When you practice together, it prepares you for real patient care.”
For faculty, leading these sessions reignites their passion for teaching. “Working with students reminds me why I love this field,” said Jim Ballard, director of CICHE. “Seeing the enthusiasm of students reinforces the value of this collaborative approach.”
The impact of this training goes beyond the students involved. By fostering teamwork and communication, I-CATS helps create a stronger healthcare workforce in Kentucky. “We want our students to understand not only their role but those of their teammates,” Ballard concluded. “This will help them make better decisions for complex patient needs.”
Students like Thigpen leave feeling inspired. “The training taught me the importance of respect and shared goals in healthcare,” she said. “That knowledge excites me about the future of collaborative practices.”
This commitment to collaboration is crucial as the healthcare field evolves. The challenges of modern medicine require more than individual expertise—they demand teamwork. Through programs like iCATS, the University of Kentucky is preparing its students to meet these challenges head-on.
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