Loss, grief and bereavement in interprofessional education, an example of process: Anecdotes and accounts

The example of educational provision considered here is an elective module on an Interprofessional Masters programme that demonstrates the use of research based accounts and clinical anecdotes to effect learning and so, potentially, to enhance professional practice. Those who have suffered a significant loss, whether of an individual, or, part of their physical, psychological, social or spiritual selves, will present in most health and social care settings. An educational forum provides the opportunity to explore theory that promotes an understanding of loss and the process of grief as well as an awareness of the levels of support available for the bereaved. The nursing presence in health care has fuelled experienced nurses' adeptness at niche roles, and filling gaps in service provision. Interprofessional education potentially strengthens competence and enhances confidence in cross-boundary working, increasing the permeability of professional boundaries and reflecting role overlap. An interprofessional context also allows a sharing of views that enhances a collegiate ambience. The inherent challenge is to identify the educational process that best makes theory accessible and meaningful in practice. Module evaluation confirmed that students were able to evaluate the relevance of theory in practice and that the teaching sequence that had evolved resembled a modified constructivist format.