Interprofessional learning

Interprofessional learning is best described as situations where healthcare professionals:

• learn together
• learn from each other, and
• learn about each other's roles, in order to
• improve collaboration and quality of care

(Centre for Advancement of Interprofessional Education, 1997)

Within Healthcare settings, there are many examples of where poor communication and/or poor teamwork have resulted in disastrous effects on patient safety. Conversely, there is evidence within the literature to suggest that effective teamwork can improve patient care outcomes and quality of service. If our healthcare graduates are to work effectively within a patient-centred interprofessional team environment, we need to provide them with opportunities at a pre-qualification level. This includes opportunities to learn with, from and about other health professions.

IPL @ The University of Sydney

"The University of Sydney will be recognized nationally and internationally as leaders in interprofessional education and research, graduating health professionals with capabilities required to practice patient/client centred healthcare within a collaborative interprofessional team, and who are committed to optimising patient care and safety".
(IPL Vision Statement, 2007)

In recognition of the importance of collaboration and teamwork towards improving patient care outcomes, and the ever increasing call for collaborative patient-centered care within the healthcare industry, The University of Sydney has established clear strategic directions to provide Interprofessional Learning (IPL) opportunities for healthcare students as listed below.

“Identify and promote opportunities for interdisciplinary and interprofessional learning”
(The University Learning and Teaching Plan 2007-2010)

Each of the participating faculties have similar statements of commitment to IPL within their teaching & Learning plans.

In 2008, implementation of the IPL curriculum framework will embed interprofessional learning into curricula across the University of Sydney's health and social care faculties.

Overall aims of IPL are for healthcare graduates to show evidence of ability to;

• Display a positive attitude towards interprofessional teamwork
• Work effectively and safely within an interprofessional healthcare team to provide optimal patient care

Learning outcomes are categorised into three themes;

1. Interprofessional Teamwork
2. Roles of Health and Social Care Professionals
3. Interprofessional Communication

The IPL outcomes align with skills and abilities underpinning attributes which characterise graduates of the University of Sydney.

1. Research and Inquiry
2. Information Literacy
3. Personal and Intellectual Autonomy
4. Ethical, Social and Professional Understanding
5. Communication

(The University of Sydney Graduate Attributes, 2004)

Aims, outcomes & graduate attributes are discussed further in the curriculum section.