How does interprofessional How does interprofessional education stimulate or education stimulate or

develop professional develop professional identities and capabilities?identities and capabilities?

Hilary PengellySheffield Hallam University

10th UK Joint Social Work Education Conference with the 2nd UK Social Work Research Conference

Homerton College, Cambridge9th-11th July 2008

BackgroundBackground

First year module - Foundations of Interprofessional Practice (FIPP)◦14 professional groups◦800+ students◦32 staff

Professional issues & research introduction◦self-awareness and reflection◦value and significance of research evidence◦interprofessional understanding and collaboration

Research Aim and Method:Research Aim and Method:”Appreciative Inquiry” (AI)”Appreciative Inquiry” (AI)Focus GroupsFocus Groups

• Aim: To explore and identify beliefs and behaviours associated with current and future IPE delivery

• Method: Appreciative Inquiry (AI) • Methodology: Underpinned by a world view of

Social Constructionism• An approach that explores what people value

in their practice, AI seeks to:• develop ways to build on these activities• enhance positive responses to challenge and

change at individual, team and organisational levels

The 4 “D’s”The 4 “D’s”

1. Discovering the best…2. Dreaming – in an ideal world…3. Designing – how to support the dream…4. Destiny – how to sustain the

developments…

3 focus groups3 focus groups

Academic and support staff ◦12 participants in total

2 researchers◦Observer/note take◦Facilitator

Focus group discussion recorded ◦Transcript to be produced to inform evaluation◦Notes taken in session

FindingsFindings

Themes emerging:◦Personal gain & enjoyment of staff

e.g. challenge, stimulus, learning with and about colleagues, being part of a large team, promoting respect for each other

◦Benefits for students e.g. IP dynamics, authentic content, opportunity for

new perspectives◦Organisation and approach to delivery

e.g. use of external experts, pioneering blended e-learning within the faculty, developing expertise in IPE delivery, team ownership

Personal Gain & EnjoymentPersonal Gain & Enjoyment

“I think it (IPE) is incredibly important stuff…!”“I learned about what Radiographers do!”“It was great seeing the way the group

developed”“I learned more of what we have in common!”“Being asked for input (to help other facilitators)

makes you feel needed and valued”

Benefits for StudentsBenefits for Students

Opportunities to establish friendships they take right through their courses

Challenging stereotypes early onLearning about each other – different

perspectivesRelevance to practice – modelling

collaboration skills

Organisation and DeliveryOrganisation and Delivery

Dedicated time for IPE is essentialIPE needs to be prioritised across all

programmes in the faculty Timetabling set up early and notice of

teaching early on makes all the differenceWell-prepared resources relevant to

practice (and well-prepared presenters)

What about the AI approach to the What about the AI approach to the Focus Group?Focus Group?

I liked the guided approach with someone facilitating the session

Liked - informal but structured approach … I really enjoyed it too It was clear what the purpose of the

session was and how the information would be used and what the wider focus of the research is

Conclusions and Ways ForwardConclusions and Ways Forward

Interprofessional education seems to develop professional identities and interprofessional capabilities

Respect for those delivering IPE should be embodied in the approach taken by the organisation to the delivery of IPE ◦ Resourcing of the teaching◦ Staff development and training

Delivering IPE in interprofessional teams promotes respect for each other’s differences and requires willingness to take on other perspectives in order to provide a quality learning experience to the student