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What is Interprofessional Education (IPE)?
IPE Definition
Interprofessional education has been defined by CAIPE, (the UK Centre for the Advancement of Interprofessional Education), as
"Interprofessional Education occurs when two or more professions learn with, from and about each other to improve collaboration and the quality of care". (2002)
Interprofessional v Uniprofessional Education
Uniprofessional Education: Students are all from the same discipline or profession. The mastery of a specific body of knowledge, types of skills and modes of conduct are emphasized.
Interprofessional Education: Students from various professions learn together as a team. Their collaborative interaction is characterized by the integration and modification of different professions' contributions in light of input from other professions.
The hallmark of IPE is the type of cognitive and behavioural change that occurs: participants understand the core principles and concepts of each contributing discipline and are familiar with the basic language and mindsets of the various disciplines. Prior to participating in IPE, students must have basic knowledge and skills related to their own profession.(1)
Benefits of IPE?
The potential benefits of interprofessional education are wide ranging and numerous for students, health care professionals and ultimately and perhaps most importantly patients and service users. Prof. Hugh Barr et al (2) summarised the four most likely benefits of inter-professional education as:
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enhanced motivation to collaborate
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changes in attitudes and perceptions
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cultivation of interpersonal, group and organisational relations
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establishment of common value and knowledge bases
(1) Clark, P.G. (1993) A typology of multidisciplinary education in gerontology and geriatrics: are we really doing what we say we are? Journal of Interprofessional Care, 7, 3, 217-227.
(2) Barr, H., Freeth, D., Hammick, M., Koppel, I. and Reeves, S. (2000b). Evaluations of Interprofessional Education: A United Kingdom Review for Health and Social Care. Review. CAIPE/BERA
