Villanova University
A senior-level undergraduate practicum bringing students majoring in health professions together with individuals with IDD and their caregivers to support health promotion and home health in the community.
March 2025 Project Update
On March 28, 2025, Dr. Suzanne Smeltzer gave a presentation on this project to the National League for Nursing (NLN) Nursing Education Research Conference. View slides from “The Effects of a Virtual Simulation on Knowledge and Comfort Level of Healthcare Students in Their Interaction with Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD).” [PDF]
Interprofessional student teams from Villanova University’s M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing and St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia partnered with people with IDD and their caregivers in a real-time or virtual simulation.
The interprofessional education (IPE) experience is part of a senior-level course, Practicum in Health Promotion & Home Health in the Community, offered to Villanova nursing students during the spring semester. During the course, teams of nursing students collaborated with students majoring in health professions at St. Joseph’s University (including students in occupational and physical therapy, physician assistant, pharmacy, and pre-medicine programs) and individuals with IDD and their caregivers. Before participating in the IPE experience, students completed assignments and experiences designed to increase their knowledge and skill in interacting with individuals with IDD.
An advisory committee of people with IDD, family members, and disability advocates assists the project team in planning, developing, and assessing materials and activities to ensure that they are appropriate, respectful, and sensitive to the needs of the IDD community.
