Eco-maps are graphical representations showing how systems are interconnected in an individual's life. Commonly used in individual and family counseling settings, we have extended the use of eco-maps to facilitate health professions students’ recognition of the social determinants of health (SDoH) and the impact of SDoH on individual and community health. This lightning talk will discuss this novel use of eco-maps in interprofessional education (IPE) to advance students’ understanding of the impact of and barriers associated with SDoH. The University at Buffalo IPE program delivers a robust foundational-level exposure learning experience serving ~1,000 health professions students from 16 programs each semester. In Fall 2021, we developed an innovative case-based IPE learning experience using eco-maps as the framework for discussions of SDoH, their impact, and the necessity for collaboration among healthcare professionals to provide optimal care and improve patient outcomes. Prior to participating in a virtual, faculty-facilitated small group discussion, students engaged in online learning about SDoH, eco-maps, and were directed to construct an eco-map based on a robust case. During the small group discussion, students’ eco-maps were used as the framework for the discussions of SDoH, health equity, and the importance of interprofessional collaborative practice. Because eco-maps provide a visual representation illustrating people and factors that positively or negatively impact a person’s well-being and health, the SDoH in the case becomes more readily apparent. Students (n=942) reported (>80%) feeling better able to identify the SDoH and discuss systemic barriers to quality healthcare. The faculty were also provided brief training on how to incorporate eco-maps in facilitating small group discussions. Faculty (n=113) (>80%) felt eco-maps were effective for identifying and discussing SDoH, their impact, and potential collaborative practice mitigation strategies. Taken together, eco-maps are a novel instructional design strategy to promote discussion of SDoH and health equity.
In support of improving patient care, this activity is planned and implemented by The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education Office of Interprofessional Continuing Professional Development (OICPD). The OICPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
The National Center OICPD is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs). This program is eligible for Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.
Physicians: The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education designates this live activity for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with their participation.
Physician Assistants: The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME.
Nurses: Participants will be awarded contact hours of credit for attendance at this workshop.
Nurse Practitioners: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME and ANCC.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians: This activity is approved for contact hours.
Athletic Trainers: This program is eligible for Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
Social Workers: As a Jointly Accredited Organization, the National Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The National Center maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive continuing education credits.
IPCE: This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.
