Changes in concept of health professional students as a function of a health team experience

This study is an evaluation of an interdisciplinary health team experience. One of the major goals of this project was the lessening of professional distance among health care providers and was the specific goal which has been evaluated here.

Team members' concepts of various health disciplines were assessed through the use of a word association test. Concepts were tested prior to and following the team experience. These two sets of concepts were compared to determine what changes, if any, had taken place.

The major finding was that concept change did take place. This change was noted to be most often in a positive direction. It was found that these concept changes were mediated by the individual's and team's experience. A formal evaluative analysis of the associates produced was done. The methodology for such an analysis is discussed.