From Silos to Synergies: How to Enhance Interdisciplinary Collaboration Among Graduate Students

Author

Jennifer Jimenez, San Jose State UniversityFollow

Publication Date

Fall 2025

Degree Type

Doctoral Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Graham Teaford

Second Advisor

Kathryn Wise

Third Advisor

Courtney Boitano

Keywords

Interprofessional education (IPE), Interdisciplinary education, Person–Environment–Occupation–Performance (PEOP) model, Adult learning theory, Insititutional capacity

Abstract

Interprofessional education (IPE) is essential for preparing collaborative healthcare practitioners, yet opportunities at San José State University (SJSU) have been limited, inconsistent, and largely dependent on individual faculty initiative. This capstone project aimed to strengthen IPE at SJSU by assessing institutional capacity and developing feasible, sustainable strategies to enhance exposure and participation across health-related programs. Guided by the Person–Environment–Occupation–Performance (PEOP) model and adult learning theory, the project combined a needs assessment, literature review, and partnership with the Healthy Development Community Clinic (HDCC) to create an instructor implementation guide and student introductory modules for HDCC service-learning onboarding. An IRB-approved mixed-methods faculty survey used the Interprofessional Education Collaborative’s Institutional Assessment Instrument and open-ended questions to examine the institution’s capacity for IPE. Additionally, a pilot student workshop was implemented for applied program development to explore engagement, role clarity, and perceived value of IPE. The findings from both the workshop and survey were used to refine the guide and modules. Survey results indicated low institutional capacity and limited framework integration despite strong faculty recognition of IPE’s benefits, while workshop observations and feedback demonstrated intrinsic student interest in collaborative learning, high engagement, increased understanding of roles, and a desire for additional IPE experiences. Integrating these findings into the guide and modules resulted in scalable, contextually relevant capstone deliverables. These deliverables were designed to enhance institutional coordination, support faculty efforts, and prepare students for team-based, person-centered care, while positioning occupational therapy as a leader in advancing IPE at SJSU.

Recommended Citation

Jimenez, Jennifer, "From Silos to Synergies: How to Enhance Interdisciplinary Collaboration Among Graduate Students" (2025). Doctoral Projects. 201.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.26g8-j2gc
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_doctoral/201