Innovations in interprofessional education: building collaborative practice skills

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Healthcare System Reform
• Interprofessional Collaboration

Background:

• The Institute of Medicine recommends redesigning healthcare through interprofessional education (IPE) and collaborative practice.
• IPE and collaborative practice are recognized as transformative strategies for improving healthcare delivery.
• Existing healthcare systems face challenges that necessitate innovative educational approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe Western University's implementation of an interprofessional education (IPE) curriculum.
• To highlight the College of Dental Medicine's innovative community-based dental education initiatives.
• To showcase how these programs prepare students for interdisciplinary team-based patient care.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a comprehensive IPE curriculum for students across 13 health disciplines.
• Development of community-based dental education programs.
• Establishment of local outreach projects, such as the Children's Dental Care Project.

Main Results:

• Students are being educated within an interprofessional framework.
• Innovations in community-based dental education are actively practiced.
• The Children's Dental Care Project provides practical interdisciplinary team experience.

Conclusions:

• Western University's IPE curriculum aligns with Institute of Medicine recommendations.
• The College of Dental Medicine's initiatives effectively prepare students for collaborative practice.
• These educational strategies are crucial for improving future patient care through interdisciplinary teams.