Roles and Responsibilities: Asking Nurses and Physicians What They Know, Do Not Know and Want to Know about the Other's Profession

Abstract

Background: In 2015, an Institute of Medicine (IOM) report acknowledged that interprofessional education (IPE) had focused on academic learning yet had not been well assimilated into clinical practice. The aim of this study was to gather data from practicing clinicians to inform a curriculum that could be integrated into practice environment educational regimens. Methods and Findings: A qualitative description approach was utilized to analyze data gathered via focus groups conducted with practicing nurses and physicians. Participants were asked to describe what they knew, did not know, and wanted to know about each others profession, and what they felt would be the best method of delivery for this information. Findings indicate a lack of understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the other profession and genuine interest in learning more. Conclusions: Integrating IPE into practice environment education is of interest and would be beneficial to healthcare professionals for improving patient care, safety, and professional rapport.