Dec 29, 2025
- Faculty from Recreational Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Athletic Training collaborate on IPE research
- Article featured in a special issue of Therapeutic Recreation Journal
- Focus on transitions of care and fostering teamwork in health education
Dr. Rhonda Nelson, Recreational Therapy Program Director; Dr. Beth Cardell, Occupational Therapy Program Director; and Dr. Justin Rigby, Athletic Training Program Director, recently co-authored a publication featured in a special issue of the Therapeutic Recreation Journal dedicated to Interprofessional Education (IPE).
Their article, “Exploring Transitions of Care Through an Interprofessional Education Track,” examines how collaborative learning experiences prepare students for team-based healthcare. The piece outlines the structure of the Transitions of Care IPE track, administrative supports, and integration into Recreational Therapy curricula. It also evaluates student attitudes toward IPE and faculty perspectives, reinforcing the importance of teamwork in patient-centered care.
All three authors bring unique expertise to the project and have served on the College of Health’s IPE committee. Cardell helped develop the Transitions of Care track and serves as an IPE Core Facilitator. Rigby oversees all IPE experiences as Utah Health IPE Program Director. Nelson coordinates IPE opportunities for Recreational Therapy students. Their collaboration reflects the College’s commitment to modeling interprofessional teamwork and advancing best practices in health education.
About the Authors
Nelson leads the Recreational Therapy Program, focusing on therapeutic interventions that improve quality of life for individuals with disabilities and health conditions. Cardell directs the Occupational Therapy Program and champions interprofessional learning to enhance patient outcomes. Rigby heads the Athletic Training Program and serves as Utah Health IPE Program Director, promoting collaborative education across health disciplines.