Interprofessional Pediatric Advocacy Program

Some nursing students, including myself, were given the opportunity to

take part in the Interprofessional Pediatrics Advocacy Program (IPAP). Here
students from different professions: Medical, Nursing, Respiratory Therapist,
Occupational Therapist, and Physician Assistant; worked together to create a
holistic Plan of Care for each child and their family. Each group was assigned
a child going through CPS with an extensive medical condition that could
potential help their situation if treated appropriately. Our child had exercised
induced Asthma, and as a group, we worked together to find ways for the
family to understand the disease process and treat the disease effectively.
Upon initial assessment the family had little understanding of what was
happening to the childs airways due to his asthma. By definition, Asthma is
a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways (NIH). Our
assigned family knew the asthma made it difficult for the child to breathe but
nothing else. As an interprofessional team we found ways that would make
the disease process easy to understand all while providing different
viewpoints based on our future professions. Our team consisted of an
Occupational Therapist (OT) and nursing students. The OT student had
posters and toured the childs home pointing out possible asthma triggers
and hazards for the child. This lead the nursing students to further explain
what happens to the childs airway by using different visually appealing
interactive activities that the child enjoyed as well. Our team worked together
to assure that the family and the child understood what happens and could
happen to someone with Asthma if not addressed correctly.

Another potential issue we addressed was treatment. In most cases the

guardian is not fully aware of proper inhaler administration or symptoms of
an asthma attack and what to do. The nursing students were able to explain
how to properly use, take care, and clean the inhaler, as well as explain what
is seen in asthma exacerbations. However as a team we developed a step-bystep plan outlining what to do incase of a severe asthma attack. The
Occupational Therapist student brought situations that we as future nursing
professionals didnt think of. Our plan was holistic and easy to understand
and when assessing the family again at the end of our last visit it was evident
our teaching were successful.
Our experience with IPAP has shown me the importance of providing an
interprofessional approach to any patients care. Although as a team we were
assigned to meet weekly, it was never enough. We meet more times than
necessary to ensure our patient received the best care and education as
possible. The whole process takes time and effort and most importantly
coordination within the professions and the family.