Traditionally, healthcare education operates in silos, with students from different disciplines learning independently. This isolation often results in clinicians having limited understanding of their colleagues' roles and responsibilities in a real-world setting. But, newly graduated clinicians are expected to communicate and collaborate effectively to ensure optimal person-centred care is provided
After a successful pilot, RHIP introduced a series of interprofessional education workshops for healthcare students while on clinical placement at Prince of Wales Hospital and Royal Hospital for Women. RHIP Interprofessional Education Lead, Zoe Kumar, believes this unique approach is bringing value.
“I’ve really enjoyed seeing students interact with their peers from other health disciplines and institutions and the sparks of learning that it inspires. The program is exposing students to other areas of expertise, giving them a deeper understanding of different roles and building relationships with their peers at the same time,” she said.
During the face-to-face workshops students worked through a patient case study. They outlined their respective responsibilities, established short and long-term care goals, discussed referral processes and documentation requirements. Students also discussed the importance of teamwork and person-centred care.
Student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
“The session was run well because it was so interactive… the case study was really interesting as it gave insight and simulated working with other professions in a ward setting,” said one student dietician.
RHIP has held 12 workshops with over 200 students attending. Representing 12 higher education providers including UNSW and UTS, students attending have come from nursing, medicine, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, dietetics, radiography, speech pathology and genetic counselling.
Contact:
Zoe Kumar | Interprofessional Education Lead