Measuring Rapid Team Dynamics in Episodic Interprofessional Education: Validation of the RTD-20 Scale

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

9-23-2026

Abstract

This Lightning Talk will present the development and validation of the Rapid Team Dynamics Scale (RTD-20), a standardized assessment tool designed to evaluate team functioning in short-term interprofessional education (IPE) and collaborative practice experiences. While most existing IPE assessment tools measure attitudes, knowledge, or communication competencies, few capture psychological and behavioral dynamics that influence rapidly formed interprofessional teams during brief educational encounters. Given that more than half of IPE activities are delivered as one-time or episodic experiences, there is a critical need for evidence-based tools that assess team development within these short-duration learning environments.
The presentation aligns directly with the Nexus Summit theme, Building the Evidence Base for Interprofessional Practice and Education, by contributing a validated instrument that advances assessment science in interprofessional education. The RTD-20 was developed through adaptation of Stock et al. 's (2013) Team Development Measure and informed by an interprofessional faculty panel representing ten health disciplines. The instrument was tested with 175 students from seven health professions participating in a 2.5-hour virtual interprofessional experiential learning activity using the VIPE model. Factor analysis demonstrated strong psychometric performance, including a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value of .91 and excellent overall reliability (α = .95). Findings revealed that rapid interprofessional teams function as a single domain rather than discrete domains typically seen in longitudinal teams, highlighting the unique characteristics of short-term team formation.

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Lightning Talk presented at the Nexus Summit 2026

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