HARRISBURG, PA — Four faculty members at Harrisburg University of Science & Technology (HU) have been published in the Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration. Their research explores interdisciplinary collaboration between healthcare and digital design disciplines.
The paper, “Co-Designing Health Education: A Mixed-Methods Study of Interdisciplinary Collaboration Between DPT Faculty and Interactive Media Students,” was co-authored by HU Professors Jacki Klaczak Kopack, PT, DPT, EDD; Caitlin McGee, PT, DPT, NCS, MS; Charles Palmer, Ph.D.; and Francois Prizinski, PT, DPT, EdD, OCS, FAAOMPT. The group’s research examines a collaborative project between Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) faculty and Interactive Media (IMED) students to co-design a gamified training module focused on personal protective equipment (PPE).
The study addresses a growing need in healthcare education: preparing students to work across disciplines as healthcare becomes increasingly digital. Traditionally, interprofessional education has centered on collaboration among clinical fields. This research expands that model by integrating creative and technical disciplines into healthcare education and training.
Using the Double Diamond design model and Design Thinking pedagogy, the project guided a six-week interdisciplinary collaboration supported by student surveys and faculty focus groups. Results showed significant gains in student confidence, improved interdisciplinary communication, and strong support for gamification as a tool for clinical education. Faculty feedback further affirmed the professionalism of students and the value of collaborative learning experiences.
The findings suggest that interdisciplinary co-design experiences strengthen digital health literacy, foster cross-domain collaboration, and better prepare students for emerging fields such as telehealth, digital therapeutics, and patient engagement platforms.
“These types of experiences offer a chance for profound transformation within our students,” noted Dr. Palmer. “They arrive with a naive view of professional work and leave understanding that the best solutions emerge from cross-disciplinary collaboration. Watching their confidence grow as they navigate real stakeholder needs and deliver meaningful products is deeply rewarding. They don’t just learn to build better tools; they mature into professionals who know how exceptional teams work.”
Dr. Prizinski added: “It was a pleasure to see both the DPT and IMED programs working together and interacting on this cross-disciplinary project. Creating research and learning activities like this allow faculty and students to learn to work together solving real-world problems through our respective expertise.”
You can read the entire research article online at the Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration.
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ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University of Science & Technology (HU) is an independent, nonprofit university offering degrees in advanced manufacturing, engineering, robotics, nursing, cybersecurity, and other critical fields. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HU serves a diverse student body through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that link learning and research with practical applications. For information about HU’s affordable STEM degrees and professional development programs, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay in the know by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACT
Do you have questions about this story? Interested in lining up an interview? Please contact Dan Wilhelm, Communications Manager for Harrisburg University of Science & Technology, at DWilhelm@HarrisburgU.edu or 717.901.5100×1724.
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