Key Strategies for First-Time Interprofessional Teachers and those Developing New Interprofessional Education Programs

Abstract

Background: Evidence that interprofessional education (IPE) leads to better teamwork and improved interprofessional collaboration has created a drive to establish pre-registration IPE health science and social care programs. Yet there is limited guidance available for teachers new to IPE.Objectives: To provide first-time teachers practical strategies to undertake IPE.Methods: Strategies developed from experience.Findings: First-time IPE teachers should: try to join an existing IPE team; observe and collaborate with experienced IPE teachers; contribute to the development of new IPE programs; seek institutional support; undertake IPE evaluation and research; and gain high-level institutional endorsement.Conclusions: Six strategies are designed to overcome commonly recognized problemsand enable first-time teachers to more confidently develop or engage in IPE,thus supporting students to attain skills in interprofessional collaboration.