Three semesters of interprofessional learning

Three semesters of interprofessional learning

Interprofessional learning (IPL) is defined as occasions when two or more professionals learn with, from and about one another to facilitate collaboration in practice. The American International Medical University (AIMU) offers courses in both medicine and nursing creating opportunities for collaboration and IPL. A health humanities module was initiated during the Fall 17 semester for the second semester medical and for nursing students. The third batch of students is participating in the module during the current semester. The module uses small group active learning to explore various aspects of the health humanities. Case scenarios, role-plays, debates, literature excerpts, interpretation of paintings and creating a hundred word story about the scene depicted in a painting are among the various methods used. Medical and nursing students work together in small groups on various activities. The combined nature of the group provides perspectives from both medical and nursing students. Many of our nursing students are from Saint Lucia while the medical students are from outside the Caribbean region resulting in a broader perspective. The Associate Dean of the School of Nursing, Nurse Grissel Leon and nursing faculty Ms Amsa Elumalai participate in a few sessions. We plan to continue and strengthen the IPL occurring during the health humanities module.