Twelve tips for designing, implementing and sustaining interprofessional training units on hospital wards

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Education
• Interprofessional Collaboration
• Organizational Change Management

Background:

• Dedicated Interprofessional Training Units (ITUs) are crucial for preparing healthcare students in hospital settings.
• Effective implementation requires addressing both theoretical foundations and practical challenges.
• Existing models for change and motivation can guide ITU development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose 12 actionable tips for preparing, implementing, and sustaining dedicated ITUs.
• To integrate the Grol & Wensing model for change planning with Self-determination Theory for motivation.
• To provide a framework for fostering interprofessional patient-centered care.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing theoretical foundations, research findings, and practical experiences (successes and failures).
• Applying the Grol & Wensing model for change management and Self-determination Theory for motivation.
• Recommending a steering group, project leader, stakeholder engagement, pilot programs, and organizational embedding.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive set of 12 tips for ITU establishment and sustainability.
• Strategies for increasing stakeholder awareness and motivation by addressing authentic problems.
• Methods for fostering shared ownership, autonomy, competence, and relatedness among stakeholders.

Conclusions:

• Successful ITU implementation hinges on strategic planning, stakeholder motivation, and organizational integration.
• The proposed tips offer a practical roadmap for healthcare institutions aiming to enhance interprofessional education.
• Sustained ITUs contribute significantly to the development of interprofessional patient-centered care competencies.