The Helping Professions Group: interpersonal dimensions in health sciences education

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Interprofessional Learning
• Professional Development

Background:

• Traditional university programs may not fully address the complex needs of students and faculty across diverse professions.
• The need for alternative learning environments that foster holistic development is increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an extramural interprofessional discussion group at Queen's University.
• To evaluate the group's potential for enhancing personal growth and interpersonal skills.
• To assess the group's role in meeting needs unmet by conventional academic programs.

Main Methods:

• An extramural discussion group involving students and faculty from medicine, nursing, theology, education, and law.
• Discussions focused on real-life cases and problems with interprofessional relevance.
• Ongoing since February 1977, providing a long-term case study.

Main Results:

• The discussion group format offers an alternative learning opportunity.
• Participants experience enhanced personal growth.
• Development of interpersonal skills is fostered within the group.

Conclusions:

• This interprofessional discussion group model provides valuable learning experiences.
• The program effectively addresses certain developmental needs not met by traditional university curricula.
• The format supports the cultivation of essential professional and personal competencies.