Abstract
Purpose: This study explored the impact of an interdisciplinary collaboration between Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) faculty and Interactive Media (IMED) students to co-design a gamified training module on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Problem: While interprofessional education (IPE) traditionally focuses on clinical disciplines, healthcare's increasing reliance on digital tools demands collaboration with non-clinical fields. Limited research exists on incorporating design and technology students into healthcare education to co-create meaningful instructional content.
Significance: The study applied the Double Diamond design model and Design Thinking pedagogy to guide a 6-week collaboration between DPT faculty and IMED students. A mixed-methods approach was used, including a student survey (n=16) and a faculty focus group (n=3). Quantitative results showed substantial gains in student confidence working with healthcare professionals, improved interdisciplinary communication, and overall value in using gamification for clinical education. Faculty interviews affirmed student professionalism, expanded understanding of gamified learning, and enthusiasm for future collaborations.
Implications: Findings suggest that interdisciplinary co-design experiences increase digital health literacy, foster cross-domain communication, and expose students to real-world healthcare challenges. Results support expanding IPE to include creative and technical disciplines in response to the growing digitalization of healthcare delivery and education.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that interdisciplinary collaboration between DPT and IMED programs can enhance health education through gamified design. The project model has broader implications for aligning curricular innovation with evolving workforce needs in telehealth, digital therapeutics, and patient engagement platforms. Further research is needed to define collaborative learning to meet the rapid growth of digitalized healthcare delivery.
Recommended Citation
Prizinski, F. A., Palmer, C., Kopack, J., & McGee, C. (2026). Co-Designing Health Education: A Mixed-Methods Study of Interdisciplinary Collaboration Between DPT Faculty and Interactive Media Students. Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration, 6(1). Retrieved from https://repository.ulm.edu/ojihp/vol6/iss1/6
Title Page
