Integrating interprofessional education in health and social care curricula to equip our future workforce – qualitative findings from senior leaders

Abstract

The increasingly complex health and social care needs of the world's population require interprofessional collaboration. Interprofessional education (IPE) can prepare students for interprofessional collaborative practice. Despite mounting evidence supporting the positive impact of IPE, it is not yet integrated into all curricula. Previous findings from university teachers have highlighted a lack of leadership support. This study investigated the views of nine senior leaders across three universities in Norway and the United Kingdom. Four themes emerged around: system approach; curriculum and learning outcomes; person-centred care; and professional identity. All leaders see the need for integration of IPE into the curricula. The introduction of IPE led to concerns amongst some who worried that students may struggle to develop their professional identity if asked to learn with learners from other professional courses too early. UK leaders highlight the need to focus on person-centred care to deflect challenges linked to engagement but also recognise the existence of well-entrenched hierarchies between professions. Participants agree that executive leadership is needed and emphasise the power of co-creation with all stakeholders. Findings will contribute to a framework, in a future publication, that can help integration of IPE into curricula.