Interprofessional Internship Program

Collaborate to support the work of community organizations delivering, enhancing, or expanding access to rural and mobile health services, programs, and education.

Organizational Initiative for Nurse Wellbeing
Allina Health
Allina Health aims to promote health and healing through this research study focused on improving nurses' mental health and well-being. The study evaluates cost-saving practices related to nursing turnover as a pilot, ultimately seeking larger multi-site project in the future. Objective 1 evaluates the preliminary effectiveness of an organizational-level intervention (RECONN/AIID) to include outcomes such as burnout, moral injury, job satisfaction, and turnover rates. Objective 2 identifies barriers and facilitators to implementing organizational well-being interventions for nurses.

Piloting a Comprehensive Medication Repository
Al-Shifa Clinic PA
Goal is to improve medication access within the Al-Shifa community. Interns will develop a pilot protocol for implementing a medication dispensary, while considering legal, logistical and financial implications. Interns will also design a long-term sustainability plan for the medication dispensary: identifying most-needed meds, building relationships with pharmacists as needed, exploring collaboration with other free/charitable clinics to serve more patients.

Doula Program Tool Kit Development
Aspirus
Interns will collaboratively develop a strategic toolkit that outlines the development, implementation, and execution of the Aspirus St. Luke’s Plus One Doula Program. This toolkit will be shareable, adaptable, and flexible to meet the needs of most birthing hospitals/organizations in Minnesota and beyond.

Community Needs Assessment
BigFork Valley
BigFork aims to complete a comprehensive community health needs assessment. The fundamental purpose of the needs assessment is to systematically gather and analyze data to pinpoint the health needs and issues present within the community. This includes looking beyond traditional health outcomes and considering the social determinants of health that influence well-being, such as housing, transportation, education, and economic factors.

Advancing Age- and Dementia-Friendly Practice Through ECHO and DHS Partnerships
Minnesota Northstar Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program
The focus of this project is two-fold: 1) to develop content for Minnesota ECHO that integrates age friendly and dementia friendly content into clinical learning opportunities for nurses working in long-term care. This will also include a patient-centered introduction that highlights patient stories, statistical trends and national data, and 2) collaborate with MN DHS to provide training for case managers and care coordinators through counties, Tribal Nations and Managed Care Organizations. 

SDOH- A Mobile Health Initiative
Hennepin Healthcare
Hennepin Healthcare aims to implement a social determinants of health (SDOH) questionnaire workflow. Once implemented feedback will be collected from providers on the workflow of the questionnaire. Data will also be collected to identify positive screens and referrals made. 

Dementia Friends Community Expansion
Trellis
Trellis Health desires to adapt materials for MN audiences with organizational partners in intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This work will involve convening a workgroup to review current information session materials, analyze feedback for IDD Caregiver and IDD Peer session materials and revise information session documents. In addition to the adaptation of materials Trellis Health also seeks to develop a recruitment campaign for self advocate champions and to develop and implement a qualitative evaluation of these volunteers and their experience. 

Client Perspectives: Evaluating Community Needs and Resources
Wayside Recovery Center 
Wayside is aiming to develop and create focus groups to assess community needs by interviewing current and former clients of Wayside. This data will be analyzed and summarized to determine next steps for Wayside. Wayside also aims to enhancing collaboration with community resources for women enrolled in substance use disorder treatment and wrap around services for them and their children. 

System Needs Assessment
White Earth Indian Health Board
White Earth IHS aims to conduct an internal needs assessment to identify current workflow inefficiencies. Based on the data collected a plan will be proposed and implemented to optimize performance, quality and revenue. In addition, a corrective action plan will be developed, implemented and evaluated to measure improvement. 

Bridging the Gap: Rural Hospitals, External Partnerships, and Value-Based Care
Wilderness Health
This Wilderness Health project examines how rural hospitals without affiliated primary or specialty care clinics can remain viable in value-based care environments. Objective 1 explores strategies for financial sustainability and relevance. Objective 2 investigates communication and collaboration with external care providers to optimize patient management. Objective 3 identifies quality measures these hospitals can influence, including readmission prevention, cancer screenings, and social determinants of health integration. The project aligns with organizational goals by exploring models demonstrating rural hospital success in value-based care.

Collaborate to support the work of community organizations delivering, enhancing, or expanding access to rural and mobile health services, programs, and education.

Patient Education Program & New Governance Process
Allina Health
Allina HealthCare is a not-for-profit health care system that serves urban and rural communities across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Through staff interviews and audits, interns conducted an extensive analysis of existing patient education resources and practices. With this new information, interns suggested updates to documents such as informational handouts and intake forms. They also created a persuasive presentation on the financial benefits of improved patient education practices.

Increasing Access to Care and Resources
Hennepin Healthcare Pediatric Mobile Health Program
The Hennepin Healthcare Mobile Health Program provides essential pediatric and postpartum care to underserved communities across Hennepin County, but did not initially have a standardized process for screening social determinants of health (SDOH) needs during visits. Interns developed a paper-based SDOH screening tool and a community resource guide focused on SDOH domains, then began pilot testing the new tools in both English and Spanish.

Hometown Food Security Project
Mayo Clinic / Mower County
The Hometown Food Security Project (HFSP) is an organization designed to significantly reduce food insecurity in Mower County. Interns assessed the effectiveness of HFSP’s various initiatives by holding stakeholder meetings, conducting literature reviews, and developing criteria to standardize the evaluation process. Interns then provided insight on unaddressed gaps and opportunities for improvement, especially with a local high school food pantry.

Resource Development for Basic Diabetes Education
Mobile Health Initiative
The University of Minnesota Mobile Health Initiative (MHI), a group of health professional faculty and students, launched in 2020 to address unmet healthcare needs within communities across greater Minnesota. A prominent aspect of MHI events is screening for diabetes and hypertension. A need was identified to address diabetes education at events through resource development as well as standardized training across the MHI volunteers who presented the information. Interns modified existing handouts to improve communication of health information to community members, and created training scripts and video to standardize knowledge and counseling competence regardless of the volunteer presenters’ level of health sciences training.

Expanding Dementia Friendly Dental Practices
Trellis / Metro Area Agency on Aging / Dementia Friends
This project was created to expand training to dental practitioners to better help them address the needs of patients with dementia, as dental practitioners are often not well trained on this condition and may be reluctant to treat patients living with it. The objective was to equip dental professionals with the skills and confidence necessary to fill needs of those experiencing dementia through creating online learning materials that could be more widely distributed and utilized by a larger audience. Interns created 6 hour-long continuing education training modules based on trainings conducted by a subject matter expert, then distributed drafts of the modules to clinicians to seek feedback on potential improvements.

Mental Health Initiative Development
Wayside Recovery Center
Wayside sought to improve access to mental health resources for women living at their inpatient sites, as well as improve education on mental health for their staff. OACA interns developed a sustainable mental health educational program and updated an existing mental health resource list for clients. Through this pilot program, interns developed workshop sessions on topics related to life skills and mental health, then delivered and recorded a total of 6 workshops at Wayside.

Analyzing Behavioral Health Integration across the Wilderness Health Network
Wilderness Health
Wilderness Health is a rural collaborative of healthcare organizations serving approximately 450,000 residents across Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin. Wilderness Health implemented an annual Site Self-Assessment (SSA) survey to evaluate the integration of behavioral health services into medical settings. Interns analyzed survey data over a 5-year fiscal period to identify trends, which they then presented to leadership. Interns then conducted interviews and a literature review to identify potential recommendations for improvement based on survey and interview data.

Collaborate to support the work of community organizations delivering, enhancing, or expanding access to rural and mobile health services, programs, and education

Anxiety Self Management and Mindfulness Practices Resource Guides
Mobile Health Initiative
Interns created evidence-based resource guides on stress and anxiety self-management and mindfulness practices for providers and patients attending mobile health events. Deliverables included a resource guide for stress and anxiety self-management using CSPH resources, a guide identifying counseling centers for telehealth or in-person referrals, and training materials for mindfulness practices at mobile health van events.

Data-informed Community Health Advocacy
EA Therapeutic Health
Interns implemented a new electronic data collection system for demographics and quality metrics, establishing processes and reporting analytics to support company success. They used compiled data, including Keet reporting analytics and prior intern data, to create a public-facing quality success webpage for the EA Therapeutic Health website. Interns assessed data collection processes and communications, recommending updates aligned with DEI principles. They also proposed and designed new media, incorporating inclusive practices for diverse populations served by EA.

Pediatric Preventive Care Community Assessment
Hennepin Pediatric Mobile Health
Interns designed, implemented, and evaluated an annual community assessment to identify key health concerns and questions related to pediatric preventive care. They also conducted vaccine surveillance and outreach for children behind on essential immunizations.

Outreach and Education for Future Health Professionals
The UMN Morris Challenge
Interns supported the Challenge Director in creating and evaluating educational materials to help high school students and educators explore health professions and career preparation. Deliverables included a podcast for students and resource materials for educators and counselors.

Recovery Resources, Curriculum and Psychoeducation
Wayside Recovery Addiction Center
Interns created a reference guide of resources for clients and staff, developed curriculum and provided psychoeducation to clients on various primary care topics.

Rural Health Service Strategy
Wilderness Health
Interns developed strategies to support the sustainability of telehealth within the Wilderness Health service area, focusing on public policy, insurance reimbursement, regulatory environments, and hospital/clinic workflows. Deliverables included policy comparison handouts for telehealth and mental health in Minnesota and Wisconsin, a report and presentation on telehealth obstacles and innovations, and state-specific policy briefs with accompanying presentations. These efforts contributed to Wilderness Health's Telehealth 2030 vision.

Social Determinants of Health… Connecting Patients and Families to Community Resources through FindHelp
Mower County/ Mayo Health
Interns implemented and utilized FindHelp, a community resource platform, to support providers, agency staff, and patients in addressing social determinants of health and improving overall wellbeing. Deliverables included developing a 1-year work plan template, creating an outreach plan to engage community stakeholders, and collaborating with stakeholders to design a communication and distribution plan targeting SNAP beneficiaries, including immigrants, senior adults, and Riverland College students.

Workforce Mental Health and Burnout
Allina Health 
Interns at Allina Health developed and delivered mental health and well-being trainings for employees, focusing on emotional intelligence and stress management for nursing staff. Responsibilities included creating training content, implementing pre- / post-evaluation measures, supporting communication plans, and conducting sessions.

Work in cooperation with those who receive care, provide care, and support the delivery of health services, programs, and education

Health Service Programs Data Story
EA Therapeutics Health
Interns at EA Therapeutic Health analyzed historical EMR data to create a data story showcasing the effectiveness of Exercisabilities' services. They identified and recommended outcome measurement tools related to social determinants of health, readiness for change, health improvement, and quality of life. The project included creating 10 patient profiles, 5 outcome graphs, a WebPT problem statement for advocacy, training materials on data collection best practices, and visual aids to support quality of life assessments.

Interprofessional Initiatives and Experiences
The Center for Interprofessional Health
The CIH Co-Lead Interns promoted leadership development in an interprofessional context, provided mentorship to incoming interns, and supported interprofessional initiatives aligned with the UMN Strategic Plan. Interns collaborated with faculty, staff, students, and community partners to enhance initiatives and improve experiences for stakeholders. Deliverables included student-written blog posts, leadership of intern cohort sessions, and the development of cases for future use.

Interprofessional Programs Network Model
Center for Health Interprofessional Programs
Interns supported the UMN Center for Health Interprofessional Programs (CHIP) by developing infrastructure for the Care Corner network, aimed at addressing food insecurity among health professional students. They promoted sustainability and accessibility, piloted the model with a non-profit partner, and explored additional community partnerships. Deliverables included Care Corner food drives, marketing materials, evaluation surveys, and data presentations at the SEDN meeting.

Global Challenges Community Engagement
The UMN Morris Challenge
Interns assisted the Challenge Director in identifying opportunities for high school students to engage with health professionals through shadowing and learning. They also promoted community-based planning and development. Deliverables included a needs assessment, a proposal for a multi-year intervention to connect students with health professionals, and the creation of patient education posters.

Mobile Clinic Model
Neighborhood Health Source
Interns helped Neighborhood Health Source create a financially sustainable mobile clinic model in the metro area, focusing on providing preventative care and improving immunization rates for uninsured Latinx and African American children in Hennepin and Anoka Counties. Deliverables included consolidated forms to streamline patient and provider access to necessary information at pop-up clinics.

Raise Awareness of Fentanyl Use in Black Communities
Hope Network
Interns worked with the Steve Rummler HOPE Network to raise awareness about fentanyl use and overdose, focusing on Black communities disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic. They hosted overdose prevention and Naloxone administration trainings, reaching over 100 community members, and developed outreach strategies to educate BIPOC communities in Minneapolis about overdose risks and Naloxone benefits.

Report on Physical Therapy Profession and Practice in Bolivia
Mano a Mano
Interns explored and analyzed physical therapy practice in Bolivia, focusing on understanding the discipline and context. They developed educational materials on necessary equipment for professionals and distributed these materials to relevant stakeholders. Products included patient education posters.

Advance Novel Interprofessional Initiatives
Center for Interprofessional Health
The CIH Co-Lead Interns fostered interprofessional leadership development, mentorship, and collaboration to advance UMN Strategic Plan priorities. Key outputs included blog posts, a case study repository, an alumni networking plan, and monthly leadership sessions for interns. 

Advancing Strategic Imperatives
National Center of Interprofessional Practice & Education 
Interns curated resources on patient, family, and community engagement, focusing on racism and caste in healthcare teams. They developed tools to raise awareness and engagement on these issues. Deliverables included a literature review, scan of 110 resources, thematic analysis, and the development of the Nexus Resources Center website.

Care Team Communication Platform
GuidePointe Pharmacy
Interns enhanced interprofessional communication during care transitions to address mental health disparities and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, they developed and implemented a Primary Care Team communication platform for crisis situations. Deliverables included provider surveys on communication practices, an analysis of the results, and a comprehensive report shared across multiple institutions.

Community Health Needs Assessment
Welia Health
Interns assisted Welia Health, a newly transitioned private non-profit, in conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment for Kanabec and Pine counties. The project aligned with Section 501(r)(3) requirements and included facilitating discussions on strategies to address identified health needs. The final report was presented to senior leadership and the governing board.

Interprofessional Community Health Initiatives in West Central Minnesota
The UMN Morris Challenge
The UMN Morris Challenge fostered sustainability and community collaboration to improve health and quality of life. Interns assisted in gathering data, building community interest, and developing interprofessional health initiatives in west central Minnesota. Products included a panelist event for high school students to explore health careers and a report on transportation barriers in rural MN, derived from interviews with transit system stakeholders.

Interprofessional Education and Teaming Resources
HealthPartners
Interns created a resource webpage and developed a teaming toolkit based on the HealthPartners Teaming Framework. The toolkit, which included resources for interprofessional education and teaming, was tested with longitudinal NP/PA students in spring 2022. Products included a teaming webpage with resources for each skill, along with visuals and materials for future use.

Model to Monitor the Lifecycle of a Tiered Huddle System
Veterans Administration
The Veterans Administration implemented a tiered huddle system to manage safety and risk concerns, with plans for organization-wide expansion. Interns helped develop tools to scale this system, including a method to monitor its lifecycle and team alignment. Deliverables included a functional evaluation tool using Microsoft Teams surveys for facilitators, a recruitment and incentive strategy, and an evaluation plan for meeting types, dashboard use, safety tracking, key performance indicators, and engagement levels.

Quantitative and Qualitative Patient Satisfaction Model
Community University Health Care Center
Interns developed a mentorship model where current interns orient and support new interns while teaching learned skills. Key outcomes included creating templates for patient satisfaction data, mapping survey workflows, structuring peer review reports, and delivering a leadership development presentation, "Ideal Team Player," to CUHCC staff, preceptors, and learners.

Improve Interprofessional Practice Care Model
Community-University Health Care Center
Interns enhanced the interprofessional practice care model to foster collaboration among clinics with similar initiatives. Key outcomes included developing intranet learner resources and a learner manual, benefiting 150-200 learners annually. Additionally, interns created and presented psychological safety training to improve team connections for learners and staff.

Develop Student-driven IPE Experiences
Office of Academic Clinical Affairs
Interns developed student-driven interprofessional education experiences for Greater Minnesota and hospital-based placements. Key products included primary literature research on evidence-based IPE activities, a toolkit addressing profession-specific gaps, and an experiential IPE Canvas site with refined activities and instructional resources.

Clinical Quality Improvement/Process Improvement
MHealth Fairview
Interns evaluated and refined methods for tracking QI/PI projects, including assessing Clinician Nexus as a potential repository platform. They provided data-driven recommendations to streamline workflows and guide future project management.

Analyze Historical Data by Learner Volume
MHealth Fairview
Interns enhanced interprofessional practice by analyzing and visualizing historical and current learner placement data (2018–2021) across multiple professions, schools, and clinical sites. Findings and recommendations were shared with leadership to inform future workflows and strategies.

Launch the Patient, Family, Community, Caregiver Initiative
National center of Interprofessional Practice & Education
Interns launched the Patient, Family, Community, Caregiver (PFCC) Initiative by conducting a comprehensive review of 90 PFCC engagement resources. They developed three key themes aligned with integrated education and practice concepts, created website content, and prepared resources for online publication.