Definitions
CAIPE defines interprofessional education (IPE) as “occasions when two or more professions learn with, from and about each other to improve collaboration and the quality of care” (CAIPE 2002).
In the context of Ulster University, IPE:
- refer to occasions when two or more students or professions learn with, from and about each other in the University, simulated environments and practice settings to improve collaboration and optimal outcomes.
- should be at the core rather than the periphery of education and normalised in the curriculum.
- occurs on a continuum from early exposure to other professions (shared learning/precursor) through to collaborative practice in teams in the practice-based setting.
- can happen at various levels of learning and involves shared planning, effective communication, inclusive teamwork and problem solving/decision-making.
- is collaboration, boundary crossing, adopting multiple perspectives and working with others to achieve optimal outcomes and person-centred care.
- authentic; IPE is learning to work together and respecting one another’s perspectives so that multiple disciplines can work more effectively as a team to help improve outcomes and improve quality of care.
- involves research and scientific and clinical education and should result in measurable outcomes; in the HEI context for e.g. improved knowledge of the scope of different professions; improved inter-professional values, attributes and competencies; improved ability to contribute to multi-disciplinary meetings; improved professional identity; greater inclusiveness; a sustainable approach (SDGs).