MCC cross-disciplinary teaching model earns national attention

MESA, Ariz. – July 17, 2018 – The Mesa Community College Immersive Total Patient Management Experience (ITPME) is featured in an article in the Winter 2018 Education Update/Domain3, the official membership publication of the National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE). Authored by Sean Newton, BS, NRP; Charles A. Finch, D.O., FACOEP; and Lisa M. Newton RN, MSN, of MCC's Department of EMS/Fire Science, the article explains the premise of ITPME and how the cost-effective, cross-disciplinary medical simulation combines the strengths and skill sets of multiple occupational programs to create the most comprehensive student learning and workforce experience possible.

Newton said the event has been held each spring semester since 2015.

“Initially designed to serve as a capstone assessment event prior to paramedic students being released for the field internship phase of their study, this event now exposes entry-level EMTs [emergency medical technicians], paramedic, nursing, psychology and theatre/film arts students to career advancement opportunities within their respective areas of study,” Newton said.

Over the two-day event, 20 hyper-realistic, immersive scenarios are reenacted. Each scenario lasts approximately 30-45 minutes from dispatch to patient transfer in the simulated hospital emergency department. The assigned student teams receive crew performance critiques and faculty debriefs following each scenario.

Trends in patient simulation and clear direction from national leadership encourage paramedic educators to invest time and effort in the development of such ITPMEs within their own programs.

“In addition to providing workforce training, the event encourages a larger dialogue among educators about the nature of innovative collaboration needed to create realistic and comprehensive student learning experiences,” Newton said.

View the entire article here: https://www.mesacc.edu/sites/default/files/pages/events-news/media-coverage/ITPME-EU-Domain3%20Winter%202018.pdf

The authors will present ITPME during the General Assembly at the National Association of EMS Educators Conference Symposium & Trade Show in Washington D.C. Sept. 3.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for service-learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to higher education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 150 degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC is an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution with a diverse student body that enriches the learning experience. Renowned faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and nationally. MCC, located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, is one of 10 colleges comprising the Maricopa County Community College District. For additional information visit mesacc.edu.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA) http://www.ncahlc.org

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