The World Health Organization describes interprofessional education as: "When students from two or more professions learn about, from, and with each other to enable effective collaboration and improve health outcomes." (WHO, 2010)
The development of interprofessional education in the United States mirrors the movement that is developing internationally. Faculty in the Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions work to ensure that students are well-prepared to fully participate in the evolving health environment with effective interprofessional knowledge and skills. Healthcare teams that practice collaboratively are the key to safe, high quality, accessible, affordable, patient-centered care that is desired by everyone.
Students in the Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions are engaged in interactive learning with each other. Being able to work effectively as members of clinical teams during their education is a fundamental part of learning. Each student learns to value the unique perspective and knowledge the other professions bring to the care of the patient.
Health professions engaged in interprofessional education at USI include nursing, occupational therapy, occupational therapy assistant, respiratory therapy, dental hygiene, dental assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, food and nutrition, radiologic and imaging sciences and health administration.
Learning together interprofessionally leads students to practice collaboratively as they enter the workforce. Although effective interprofessional education may occur in different ways, it often involves the following elements:
