Keeping it going: the importance of delivering interprofessional education during the COVID-19 pandemic

• DOI: 10.1071/hc21070
• Publication Date: 2021-12-01T00:16:00Z
• Authors: Eileen McKinlay; Don Banks; Karen Coleman; Ben Darlow; Gay Dungey; Tracy Farr; Rebecca Fyfe; Ben Gray; Liz Kemp; Miriam Mitchell; Caroline Morris; Julia Myers; Hazel Neser; Meredith Perry; Rowena Price; Wendy Thompson; Belinda Westenra; Sue Pullon
• Keywords: Interprofessional Education; Pandemic; Modalities

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT Globally, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted need for better interprofessional collaboration and teamwork. When disciplines have worked together to undertake testing, deliver care administer vaccines, progress against COVID-19 been made. Yet, teamwork often not happened, wasting precious resources stretching health-care workforces. Continuing train health professionals during is challenging, particularly delivering education that uses face-to-face delivery methods optimise interactional learning. continuing offer throughout critical ensure a collaboration-ready workforce. One example established INVOLVE (Interprofessional Visits Learn Interprofessional Values through Patient Experience) initiative. ASSESSMENT OF PROBLEM Educators always prioritised pandemic, despite its immediate long-term benefits. The initiative, usually delivered face-to-face, was at risk of cancellation. RESULTS A quality improvement analysis strategies used continue demonstrated it possible within constraints by using innovative online hybrid educational strategies. students flexibility in responding sudden changes teaching learning modalities. STRATEGIES alert levels change, educators administrators can now choose from repertoire approaches. LESSONS Four key lessons improved performance resilience INVOLVE: hold vision education; be nimble; use technology appropriately; there will silver linings unexpected benefits changes.