IPTV program seeks adults age 50+ for virtual health management visits

The Wayne State University Interprofessional Team Visit (IPTV) virtual home visit program fosters a collaborative approach to patient care – and interdisciplinary learning for students in health professions. 

IPTV crew in action
IPTV volunteers from left: Clifford Lyons, Occupational Therapy Program; Dr. Esther Coleman, older adult volunteer; Daha Roumayah, University of Detroit-Mercy School of Dentistry; Lauryn Leflore, Senior, BSW Program 

The IPTV program is seeking adults age 50 and older to participate in one or two 60-minute virtual home visits. Adults must be living independently, will need a smartphone or computer, and should be able to use Zoom or a similar video conferencing program. Please share this opportunity and the documents linked below with anyone 50+ you feel may be interested! 

Download adult participant form   

Download program description (PDF)

The longstanding IPTV program introduces Wayne State’s social work, medical, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, and physician assistant students, as well as University of Detroit Mercy’s dental students, to team care for older adults. Students learn how to assess an older adult’s health and social needs and to participate in an interdisciplinary team environment. Originally developed in 2010 by WSU School of Medicine Associate Professor Jennifer Mendez and WSU Applebaum Professor of Pharmacy Mary Beth O'Connell, IPTV utilizes a holistic patient care method that utilizes the unique skills brought by each participating allied health care professional on the team.

Teams of three students from two or three different disciplines will conduct an hour-long virtual home visit of each older adult participant in September/October or January/February. During the virtual home visit, students ask questions about daily activities, nutrition, medications, family health and social supports. If an older adult has a third-year pharmacy student as a member of the team, s/he will also receive a follow-up visit during which a medication calendar and medication recommendations will be discussed. This second visit takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

The adults appreciate the time they get to teach students, not only about their own health but what it means to have a health care practitioner who is caring and willing to do virtual home visits for those who may be homebound. Some adults report they also see a benefit for themselves.

If you are interested in becoming a teacher of health care students or would like more information about the program, please fill out and return the participant form linked below or email Associate Professor Jennifer Mendez.

Download adult participant form    Download program description (PDF)

 

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