Preparing nursing students for interprofessional learning

John Gilbert's picture
Submitted by John Gilbert on Jul 21, 2014 - 2:26pm CDT

Resource Type: 
Journal Article

Introduction: Teaching strategy for nursing students needs to be varied for the future preparation and to increase confidence level in delivering quality care to patients. Interprofessional learning (IPL) is a way to encourage collaboration among health professional teams that will drive them to collaborate with, from and about other professions and thus, it allow students to have greater knowledge. Currently, many students are unable to learn together during clinical posting due to professional boundaries.

Objective: To explore nursing student knowledge and perception on interprofessional learning.

Method: This paper presents a focus group discussion with a group of nursing students (n= 8). A semi structured guide was used and focused on knowledge, experiences and benefit related to IPL.

Result: Data was analysed and four major themes emerged; 1. learning with, from and about other health professionals, 2. communication skills,  3. teamwork and 4. future preparation.

Conclusion: This study suggested that the interprofessional learning in the teaching and learning strategy should be introduced to the nursing students as to involve them with interprofessional learning and extend their understanding on other health professionals roles. In addition, it is an opportunity for them to work collaboratively with other health professionals.

Author(s): 
Jalina Karim
Nabishah Mohamad
John Gilbert
Ismail Saibon
Subhan Thamby Mohd Meerah
Hamidah Hassan
Harlina Haliza Siraj
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