Interprofessional Education (IPE) helps break down barriers in healthcare education and practice by bringing together members from different professions. This helps you learn how to successfully collaborate as part of a healthcare team.
IPE “enable[s] effective collaboration between students and clinicians and improves health outcomes," according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO links IPE to better outcomes in family health, infectious disease, humanitarian efforts, responses to epidemics, and noncommunicable diseases.
What are the benefits of Interprofessional Education?
Interprofessional Education helps you prepare to join a team-based workforce of healthcare professionals. IPE’s reported benefits include improved attitudes toward interdisciplinary teamwork, communication, and shared problem-solving.
By working in interprofessional teams, you see the value of your profession and understand others' professional roles and responsibilities. This yields many benefits, including:
- Better Patient Outcomes: Working together in teams, and being more aware of resources outside of your field, can improve patient care.
- Fewer Errors: When you understand different perspectives, mistakes are less likely to happen.
- More Innovation: Different viewpoints can lead to new ideas that maintain high-quality care.
IPE focuses on real-world learning, like case studies, simulations, and group projects. These activities help you develop confidence as you launch or advance your career.
Simmons University’s Interprofessional Education Digital Badge Program
Simmons University, in Boston, works with leading healthcare organizations in Massachusetts to give you hands-on interprofessional collaboration opportunities.
IPE distinguishes you in the healthcare job market. You'll gain a holistic view on healthcare delivery and real experience delivering optimal patient-centered care. It also prepares for new challenges as things evolve in the industry.
As an undergraduate or graduate student in Simmons Schools of Sciences and Health Professions, Nursing, or Social Work, you can join the IPE Digital Badge Program.
This flexible program features virtual and in-person events, so you can choose activities that align with your interests. As a badge participant, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in:
- Pediatric and adult case collaborations
- IPE patient care simulations
- Model team meetings
Find out how Interprofessional Education at Simmons can help you.
