Interprofessional Education

What is Interprofessional Practice & Education?

"Interprofessional education occurs when students from two or more professions learn about, from and with each other to enable effective collaboration and improve health outcomes. Once students understand how to work interprofessionally, they are ready to enter the workplace as a member of the collaborative practice team. This is a key step in moving health systems from fragmentation to a position of strength."

-World Health Organization, 2010,  "Framework for action on interprofessional education & collaborative practice"

There has been increasing recognition of the key role that effective teamwork and collaboration between fields plays in improving the quality and safety of health care. By equipping students with interdisciplinary experiences before entering professional settings, BCHS graduates leave with the ability to make significant contributions and spearhead interprofessional teamwork in their fields.

Program Objective

To provide essential education and experiences to BCHS students regarding the importance of understanding multiple disciplines, recognizing the roles and responsibilities of other disciplines, and learning how to work with professionals in other disciplines to meet the needs of the people we serve.

Goals

1) All BCHS students participate in at least one designated IPE experience.

2) At least 50 percent of students complete Digital Badge 1, demonstrating a basic understanding of what IPE is and why an understanding of IPE is critical in health and human services professions. 

3) Provide programs with particular interest in IPE (for accreditation or other reasons) with a defined process to become an “IPE Designated Program.”

4) Provide students with a particular need for, or interest in, IPE with a defined IPE structure and recognition for the work completed.