Implementation of a remote interprofessional education module on role understanding of community health workforce

Abstract

Background and Objectives:  Interprofessional education (IPE) is considered by the World Health Organization “a necessary step in producing collaborative practice-ready health professionals.” In the Philippines, the ability to “work collaboratively within interprofessional and multi professional teams”, was identified by the Commission on Higher Education as one of the outcomes common to all health-related professions programs. Although steps were taken to integrate IPE in health professions education, majority of academic institutions in the country are yet to implement this. This study aimed to present the implementation of an online IPE module about the community health workforce among dental, medical and pharmacy students in a national health sciences university.

Methodology:  The IPE module was developed and facilitated jointly by an interprofessional team of faculty engaged with the Community Health and Development Program of the University of the Philippines Manila. A total of 48 students from the Colleges of Dentistry, Medicine and Pharmacy participated. Teaching-learning activities used in the sessions included lectures, small group discussions, interviews, case study, large group discussions, and reflections.

Results:  Insights gained by the participants included the complementary roles of health care workforce in the community, importance of communication and role understanding for better provision of care, the challenges that the workforce experience and their roles as future health workers in promoting collaborative practice by demonstrating respect and professional equality.

Conclusion:  The module has shown that IPE activities may be successfully implemented through remote learning if done with proper planning and execution with the commitment of faculty facilitators.