Journal article 39 views
Fostering holistic eye care for children with special educational needs: an interprofessional education program bridging optometry and education
Kin Wan,
Kin Hei Lau,
Ho Yin Wong,
Wing Yan Yu,
Allen Ming Yan Cheong,
Eva Chung 
,
Chun Wai Lum,
Kuen Fung Sin,
Tsz-Wing Leung
,
Chun Wai Lum,
Kuen Fung Sin,
Tsz-Wing Leung
BMC Medical Education, Volume: 24, Start page: 1340
Swansea University Author:
Eva Chung
Full text not available from this repository: check for access using links below.
DOI (Published version): 10.1186/s12909-024-06350-w
Abstract
Purpose: This study outlines the initiation of an interprofessional education (IPE) program designed for optometry and education students. The program aimed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and improve the management of eye health in children with special educational needs (SEN) - a vulnera...
| Published in: | BMC Medical Education |
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| ISSN: | 1472-6920 |
| Published: |
Springer Nature
2024
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| Online Access: |
Check full text
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa68465 |
| Abstract: |
Purpose: This study outlines the initiation of an interprofessional education (IPE) program designed for optometry and education students. The program aimed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and improve the management of eye health in children with special educational needs (SEN) - a vulnerable and underserved group. Methods: This program incorporated lectures and workshops to impart essential knowledge about SEN and to develop the necessary attitudes and skills for conducting eye examinations. A key component involved vision screenings at two special education schools, where optometry (n = 43) and education students (n = 39) collaborated to serve 170 children with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. Quantitative data was gathered pre- and post-program using a single-stage, five-level Likert scale. Qualitative insights were drawn from students' reflective writings to evaluate their learning outcomes, understanding, and confidence in managing eye health for children with SEN. Results: Of the participants, 37 optometry and 21 education students completed the survey (70.7% response rate). The survey results indicated significant improvements in understanding SEN characteristics (p ≤ 0.013) and increased confidence when conducting eye examinations for children with SEN (p < 0.007) after the training program. The analysis of reflective writings highlighted the program's beneficial impacts on students. They recognized the value of interprofessional collaboration, reported enhanced professional competence, gained deeper insights into their own and their peers' roles within multidisciplinary teams, and developed a strengthened sense of social responsibility. Conclusion: This IPE program proved to be an effective method for enhancing optometry and education students' knowledge and confidence in managing eye health needs of children with SEN. The findings support the advocacy for continued collaborative efforts between healthcare providers and educators to ensure comprehensive care for this population. Such disciplinary collaboration provides positive evidence in early stages of training in both disciplines. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. |
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| Keywords: |
Interprofessional education, healthcare education, optometry education |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |
| Funders: |
This project was supported by PolyU Teaching Development Grants (LTG22-25/IICA/27). |
| Start Page: |
1340 |