Why we need interprofessional education to improve the delivery of safe and effective care

TLDR

Interprofessional education brings together multiple health and social care professions to enhance collaboration, yet persistent coordination problems undermine care quality and safety. This paper argues that interprofessional education is a key strategy to improve safe and effective care delivery. Empirical evidence has prompted policymakers to invest in IPE, which is expected to equip professionals to collaborate effectively and deliver safer, higher‑quality care.

Abstract

Interprofessional education (IPE) is an activity that involves two or more professions who learn interactively together to improve collaboration and the quality of care. Research has continually revealed that health and social care professionals encounter a range of problems with interprofessional coordination and collaboration which impact on the quality and safety of care. This empirical work resulted in policymakers across health care education and practice to invest in IPE to help resolve this collaborative failures. It is anticipated that IPE will provide health and social care professionals with the abilities required to work together effectively in providing safe high quality care to patients. Through a discussion of a range of key professional, educational and organization issues related to IPE, this paper argues that this form of education is an important strategy to improve the delivery of safe and effective care