MAKING LEAD HISTORY:  Inter-professional Environmental Learning and Scholarship at The Intergenerational School

Kashif Ali *, Jared R Weinfurtner, Cherie Gilbert, Terry Wolpaw, Peter Whitehouse Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine 10900 Euclid Avenue T401, Cleveland, OH 44106 U.S.A.

Purpose

Our project is designed to broaden the scope of public health curricula at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine by using public schools to educate local communities about pertinent health issues, focusing particularly on lead toxicity.  In order to encourage inter-professional learning both nursing and medical students are participating in course development and implementation.  We will pilot the program at The Intergenerational School (TIS), a unique learning environment located in greater Cleveland. 

Methods

Medical and nursing students are working together to create an educational module for 5-6^th graders at TIS, educating them on the dangers and prevention of lead poisoning.  During the presentation students are given a homework assignment that involves distributing the information they learned to their family/community. 

Results

Pre and post course surveys will be given to medical, nursing, and TIS students to assess how effective the course was in increasing their awareness about Cleveland’s lead problem.

Conclusions

1)     This course is one way in which medical and nursing students can educate themselves on public health issues while also taking action in their own community. 

2)     Public schools are an important, yet underutilized, platform for public health education. 

3)     Inter-professional learning is key to building healthy relationships between physicians and nurses.