INTERPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION IN HEALTH SCIENCES: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Health outcome of a patient depends on synergistic work of professionals from different disciplines for instance, nurses, doctors, physiotherapists and nutritionists. Effective collaboration among these professionals is pivotal for early recovery and discharge from the hospital and better health outcomes with less complications. This approach to care must be inculcated among the students of the health science disciplines during their undergraduate programs. The medical educators must introduce certain teaching learning approaches so that this cooperation can be instilled in the students. One such approach is Inter-professional education (IPE) which is gaining prominence in medical education.  It fosters holistic approach to patient care, promotes effective communication and encourages teamwork. This review article aims to explore the significance of interdisciplinary placements of health science students, emphasizing its importance in improving patient outcomes. It also intends to highlight the challenges in implementation of such programs and propose solutions for those challenges