What, why and how?
At the University of Otago, interprofessional education (IPE) begins with an introductory experience exploring the values that health and social care professions have in common, and what is required to maintain appropriate standards as a health practitioner.
Participating students are from the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic. Most students are in the first weeks of their professional programme, meaning this is an ideal opportunity to learn about ethical standards that bind different professions together.
The learning activity runs over 4.5 hours, including preparation time, a facilitated session, and a reflective exercise after the session. During the facilitated session, students work in small interprofessional groups to learn how professional codes of conduct are applied, and the ways harms can occur in healthcare when standards are not observed.
Interprofessional competencies developed are interprofessional communication, role clarification, and reflective practice.
Who are the students?
- Dental Technology Year 3
- Dentistry Year 2
- Medical Laboratory Science Year 2
- Medicine Year 2
- Nursing Year 2
- Occupational Therapy Year 1
- Oral Health Year 2
- Pharmacy Year 2
- Physiotherapy Year 2
- Social Services Year 2
Who are the facilitators?
Academic staff from:
- University of Otago Bioethics Centre
- Participating health professional programmes of the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic
What do students say?
- "Ethics cases were interesting and engaging and relevant to future practice"
- "Fun and educational"
- "Working in small groups made it easier to have flowing and in-depth discussion - more comfortable, less intimidating"
Find out more
Visit the Interprofessional Education page
Email hs.ipe@otago.ac.nz