A profession is an occupation, vocation or career requiring special training (for example, doctor, licensed practical nurse, respiratory therapist, lawyer, accountant). Interprofessional Education (IPE) occurs when two or more professions learn with, from and about each other in order to improve collaboration and the quality of care. (CAIPE, 2002) See CIHC’s Statement on the Definition and Principles of IPE.

IPE has the potential to enhance practice, improve the delivery of services and make a positive impact on patient care. Health planners are beginning to look at changing the way health services are delivered and the manner in which providers interact with each other. IPE is one process that teaches students and practitioners how to effectively work across professions.

In order for decision-makers to allocate funding and resources, more research into the links between interprofessional education and collaborative practice is needed. Decision makers would benefit from research that demonstrates how interprofessional collaboration can help increase patient safety, reduce wait times, improve management of chronic diseases, revitalize the workplace, etc. 

IPE can be delivered effectively in a variety of settings. CIHC has documented the successes and outcomes of many interprofessional initiatives. Please see CIHC’s IPE in Action series for details. 

• Resources (e.g. for implementation and evaluation)
• Curricula changes (e.g. incorporating IPE into every health science program)
• Collaborative learning environments (e.g. team practice/field placements)
• Structures to support collaboration (e.g. faculty cross-appointments)
• Lifelong learning (e.g. continuing interprofessional education opportunities)
• Interprofessional Competencies (e.g. shared knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, judgments)
• Sustainability (e.g. embedding pilot projects into the system)

Evidence shows that IPE can enable students and practitioners to learn the knowledge and skills necessary to work collaboratively. Interprofessional collaboration can enhance practice, improve delivery of services and may also have a positive impact on patient care.

Many universities and colleges now offer interprofessional courses and practicums to health and human service students. For more information on student engagement in interprofessional collaboration, the National Health Sciences Students’ Association is a national student-run organization with active chapters across Canada.

In Canada, most health professionals are employed through or affiliated with hospitals and health authorities, which offer courses and projects specific to IPE. Quality improvement approaches can advance IPE by enhancing practice, delivery of services and patient care. Health providers who mentor or preceptor can share interprofessional and collaborative experiences with students.

CIHC is the national hub for interprofessional education and collaborative patient-centred care. Learn more about CIHC membership.