Interprofessional Education: A Systematic Review of Educational Methods in Postgraduate Health Professions Programs.

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Interprofessional Learning
• Postgraduate Training

Background:

• Existing research on interprofessional education (IPE) primarily focuses on knowledge, teamwork, and collaboration.
• Teaching and learning approaches in IPE, particularly at the postgraduate level, are under-researched.
• This review addresses the gap by examining IPE implementation and pedagogical strategies in postgraduate health professions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review how interprofessional education (IPE) is implemented at the postgraduate level.
• To identify and analyze the teaching and learning approaches used in postgraduate IPE across various health professions.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review conducted between 2022-2025.
• Searches performed on PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library for publications from 2010-2025.
• Article screening utilized CADIMA software based on a clear protocol and eligibility criteria.

Main Results:

• Thirty-seven articles from the US, UK, and Canada were included.
• Simulation emerged as the most utilized educational approach for delivering postgraduate IPE.
• Findings suggest a need for greater emphasis on interprofessional role learning and dual identity development in IPE.

Conclusions:

• Educators predominantly favor simulation for delivering interprofessional education (IPE) activities.
• There is a clear call for more strategic planning in postgraduate IPE to improve delivery.
• Future IPE initiatives should aim to foster deeper immersion and mastery of interprofessional competencies.