School of Nursing Dean Patricia L. Starck, D.S.N., confers with Stanley Reiser, M.D., Ph.D., Griff T.Ross Professor. A continuing concern emerged during discussion after Baldwin s remarks. In reading Baldwin s review of the fate of previous programs and conducting his own literature search, Grimes found that the process, rather than the outcomes, of interdisciplinary education seemed to be the goal of earlier efforts. Faculty are urged to focus their efforts, Grimes continued. This is unfocused.
Nothing survives in a health science center that doesn t generate income.
We have miles to go on outcomes research, Baldwin said. When earlier attempts ran out of money, there was little incentive to explore how well the program had worked. He urged UT-Houston to plan for assessment up front by tracking graduates careers. While there is little research on the outcomes of interdisciplinary education, Baldwin said, there is ample research that supports clinical teamwork for improving patient outcomes while enhancing medical efficiency. I believe the answer to that is yes, Executive Vice President for Research and Academic Affairs Thomas F. Burks, Ph.D., said.