Developing and teaching an interprofessional service-learning undergraduate course for pre-health and human services students

Abstract

This interprofessional service-learning course focused on exploring how social determinants of health such as economic stability, education, social and community environment, and health and health care affect populations. Through reading narratives and eliciting stories from participants and students during their volunteer hours at a local hospital, students increased their understanding of social determinants and learned effective interprofessional communication and collaboration strategies. The paper outlines the process and steps to building a partnership with a health care institution and supporting students as they engaged in service learning. Reflections from the instructors, facilitators, and students are discussed.