Interprofessional practice in health care: an educational project with four learning sequences for students from six...

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Interprofessional Healthcare Training
• Curriculum Development

Background:

• Growing demand for interprofessional collaboration in healthcare.
• Limited implementation of interprofessional learning programs in German universities.
• Need for enhanced cooperation among diverse health professions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop, implement, and evaluate interprofessional curricular units in Germany.
• To establish permanent, joint curricular structures for health professions.
• To foster communication skills and mutual appreciation among students.

Main Methods:

• Collaborative project between two German universities.
• Development of four interprofessional curricular units.
• Small-group seminars involving students from six study programs: occupational therapy, midwifery, speech therapy, medicine, nursing, and physiotherapy.

Main Results:

• 220 students participated in interprofessional small-group seminars.
• Over 86% of students emphasized the importance of multi-program participation.
• Identified administrative and methodological challenges in implementation.

Conclusions:

• Student participation confirmed the value of including multiple health professions.
• Significant organizational effort is required for scheduling, space, and curriculum integration.
• Coordination between monoprofessional and interprofessional teaching is crucial.