NIHEART Collaborations

NIHEART Collaborations is a community of educators, researchers, and healthcare partners working together to improve how future health professionals learn and work as a team.

NIHEART Collaborations bring together educators and healthcare partners to strengthen teamwork and communication across the health professions. This page shares NIHEART supported publications and projects that highlight community focused research and practical strategies for preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Explore our growing collection to see how collaboration is shaping healthcare education and improving patient care.
 

Strengthening Communication Instruction in IPE: A Study of Current Practices and Future Strategies

This white paper examines how facilitators at Wichita State University (WSU) and the University of Kansas School of Medicine–Wichita (KUSM‑W) teach communication methods and skills through structured interprofessional education (IPE) activities, and offers actionable strategies to strengthen instruction, assessment, and outcomes.

Authors & Affiliations

  • Amy K. Chesser, PhD— Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Health Professions, Wichita State University
  • Amy Drassen Ham, PhD, MPH— Clinical Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Health Professions, Wichita State University
  • Nikki Keene Woods, PhD, MA, MPH— Chair & Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Health Professions, Wichita State University
White Paper

Publications

Chesser, A. K., Keene Woods, N., Crager, W., & Drassen Ham, A., (2026). Assessing Interprofessional Education Through TeamSTEPPS: A Cross-Sectional Study Evaluation. J Pub Health  Issue Pract 10(1): 262. doi: https://doi.org/10.33790/jphip1100262 

Note: This article can be temporarily found in the current publication issue: Best Public Health Management Environmental Journal