Interprofessional learning: Playing and learning together

Interprofessional learning: Playing and learning together

Professor Laura Bowater and Dr Michael J. Dillon guide us through interprofessional learning, which involves playing and learning together. Interprofessional learning (IPL) has been defined as the “learning that arises from the interaction between members of two or more professions”. (1,2) In some regards, it can be seen as an educational approach to combat the concept of hierarchy that has deep roots in the social structure of healthcare environments. So, what do these hierarchies look like? Well, they can be the perceived dominance of one profession over another, or the higher status perceived in some professional groups compared with others. Healthcare hierarchies can lead to barriers in communication and dysfunctional team working in the workplace. The outcomes can include inefficient working practices, poor patient care, and compromised safety.