A proposed interprofessional oath

Area of Science:

• Healthcare
• Interprofessional Education
• Professional Ethics

Background:

• Shared professional values are crucial for enhancing interprofessional collaboration and improving patient outcomes.
• Core competencies for collaborative practice, including values and ethics, were recently outlined by the Interprofessional Education Collaborative Expert Panel.
• Identifying common values can strengthen teamwork among diverse healthcare professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify shared values among healthcare professionals.
• To develop a proposed interprofessional healthcare provider oath based on these shared values.
• To explore the potential benefits and challenges of implementing such an oath.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study was conducted to analyze existing oaths developed by interprofessional student teams.
• Colaizzi's phenomenological method was used to evaluate 18 oaths.
• Significant statements, formulated meanings, and themes were identified from the oath analysis.

Main Results:

• Key themes and statements reflecting shared values among healthcare professionals were identified.
• A proposed interprofessional oath was formulated based on the qualitative analysis.
• The study provides a foundation for an oath that promotes collaborative practice.

Conclusions:

• An interprofessional oath can serve as a tool to identify, promote, and reinforce shared professional values.
• Implementing a shared oath has the potential to enhance interprofessional collaboration and patient care.
• Further consideration of the benefits and challenges is necessary for the successful adoption of an interprofessional oath.