Implementing IPE in a Workplace Setting: Educational Design Research Promotes Transformative Participation

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Interprofessional Practice
• Educational Design Research

Background:

• Educators face significant challenges in integrating Interprofessional Education (IPE) within practical workplace settings.
• Implementing IPE requires a structured approach to overcome common barriers and ensure effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement an Interprofessional Education (IPE) activity in a workplace setting.
• To establish evidence-informed design principles that facilitate the successful implementation of IPE in the workplace.

Main Methods:

• An educational design research (EDR) approach was employed, utilizing an iterative cycle of analysis, design, and evaluation.
• A scoping review, site visits to existing IPE initiatives, and collaboration with workplace professionals informed the development of preliminary design principles.
• An IPE activity involving nursing, midwifery, and medical students caring for patients collaboratively was implemented.

Main Results:

• Fourteen design principles for IPE implementation were identified, categorized under patient safety, workflow, and culture.
• Key principles include setting clear objectives, evidence-informed practice, fostering a growth mindset, transformative participation, cultural awareness, faculty support, aligned learning outcomes, reflective assessment, authentic context, informal interaction, balancing patient safety and responsibility, workplace alignment, and process evaluation.
• The EDR approach facilitated transformative participation and stakeholder empowerment, leading to co-creation of the IPE initiative.

Conclusions:

• The 14 design principles provide a framework for context-sensitive Interprofessional Education (IPE) implementation in diverse workplace environments.
• The EDR methodology fostered a collaborative, evidence-informed co-creation process, integrating IPE seamlessly with existing workflows and organizational culture.
• These principles empower stakeholders to actively contribute to the design and decision-making processes for effective IPE.