What is Interprofessional Education (IPE)?
Interprofessional education (IPE) is a teaching and learning process that fosters collaborative work between two or more professions. IPE at JSU promotes collaboration amongst all university departments and disciplines.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines interprofessional education (IPE) as occurring when two or more professions learn with, from, and about each other to improve collaboration and the quality of care. The WHO recognizes IPE as a necessary step in preparing a “collaborative practice-ready” health professions workforce that is better equipped to respond to local health needs. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) have published reports that examine IPE and common competencies that identify the overlapping practices of health professionals, and that distinguish individual professional and interprofessional competencies. In addition, federal regulations support the use of health teams that not only respond to acute care but also prevent disability and disease from happening in the first place.
Allen, L.R., Olenick, M., Smego, R.A. (2010). Interprofessional education: a concept analysis. Advances In Medical Education And Practice, 75-84.
IPE GOALS
Jacksonville State University is uniquely positioned to provide intentional IPE initiatives to develop opportunities where students from multiple disciplines can come together and learn about, with, and from one another. As part of their educational experience within their discipline, students need to also understand the interconnectedness of all disciplines working to improve health and wellness. While typical disciplines such as nursing, respiratory therapy, social work, and athletic training, are common in IPE, we could draw on other disciplines to be included in this important work. For example, taken from current events, addressing a pandemic or disease outbreak, and bringing in several different disciplines beyond the typical healthcare field including Emergency Preparedness and Business. We could also leverage our theater and film students to participate as actors in live simulation events.
The goal of IPE will be for students to learn together to prepare to work together. IPE benefits include but are not limited to improving health-related outcomes and patient experiences, lower patient costs, and improved clinical experiences. For students specifically, IPE can offer a deeper appreciation of their future colleague roles and responsibilities, and how they can work together to improve the patient experience as well as reduce time and errors that may occur without intentional collaboration.