Interprofessional Collaboration and Education Notes

Belonging to the Profession

  • In the 21st century, nearly all health and human services practitioners operate within interprofessional teams.
  • Interprofessional education (IPE) is defined as when two or more professions learn with, from, and about each other to enhance collaboration and the quality of care.
  • Interprofessional learning arises from the interaction between members (or students) of two or more professions.
  • It involves an intentional, engaged relationship among colleagues to improve care, which goes beyond mere information sharing and necessitates teamwork.

Interprofessional Learning & Collaboration: Societal Changes

  • Interprofessional learning and collaboration are increasingly important due to the following societal changes:
    • Increased focus on accountability, safety, and quality of care.
    • Increasingly multicultural and aging population.
    • Rise of chronic health and well-being issues that require complex care.
    • Constant technological advancements.
    • Increasing specialization in professional knowledge and skills.
    • Fragmentation of systems.

Interprofessional Learning & Collaboration: Role Clarity

  • Role clarity is vital.
    • Practitioners should know their role and the roles of others.
    • This includes understanding what is needed and expected of them, the content and boundaries of their tasks, their work methods, and priorities.
    • It also involves understanding how they "fit" within an organization, context, or function.
    • Practitioners should adhere to the ethical principle of working within their area of competence.

Interprofessional Learning & Collaboration: Respect

  • Requires respect for each professional’s knowledge and skills.
  • Also necessitates respect for each professional discipline and for the interprofessional collaborative process itself.
  • Involves recognizing and respecting the unique culture, roles, and expertise of other professionals.
  • Requires working in collaboration with:
    • Those receiving care or intervention.
    • Those who are providing care.
    • Those contributing to or supporting the delivery of care/service.

Evidence of Interprofessional Learning & Collaboration Effectiveness

  • Meta-reviews (including Cochrane & BEME - Best Evidence Medical Education) provide evidence that interprofessional collaboration works.
  • For example, Reeves, et al. (2016) conducted a meta-review of 46 high-quality studies.
    • The review showed some evidence of changes in the behavior and practice of students and professionals, with positive impacts on patients.

Case Study: Dave

  • A simulated case of “Dave” is presented.
  • Health professionals, all of whom are real practitioners, discuss their own professions.
  • Viewers are encouraged to use a handout to consider:
    • For each profession, what is their viewpoint and approach (e.g., history, theories, philosophies)?
    • What are their roles and practices?
  • The video "It takes a Team" from Griffith Health is relevant to this case.