Interprofessional Workshops for Better Care

Interprofessional experiences improve
staff relations and patient services.

“Why do you leave the room as soon as you bring a patient into the room,” asked one radiology technician of the transport nurse. The nurse simply replied, “because of the concern of radiation.” Taking time to learn from each other can improve teamwork and patient care. The radiology technician is often alone. It is the technician's responsibility to assist a patient to the table for testing. The extra assistance would be helpful. However, the transport nurse had always been told to leave immediately due to radiation exposure. Yet after this dialogue, the transport nurse learned that there is no exposure to radiation while the patient is prepared for the tests. After this understanding, the transport nurse now stays in the room to assist with patient preparation. This simple change increases teamwork and improves the patient’s experience.

It is sometimes these simple questions and times for understanding that can improve quality care. In the past doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals learned their own roles needed to deliver care. Yet this limited teamwork and comprehensive patient care. In the late 1980’s, the World Health Organization recognized the value of teaching professionals in a multi-professional educational setting. This allowed disciplines to learn how to collaborate with a team during their student year. This resulted in them to work more effectively in their professional lives. 

Today schools are encouraged to provide experiences for students from two or more disciplines to learn with, from and about each other to improve collaboration and delivery of care.

Northeastern Wisconsin Area Health Education Center provides interprofessional workshops throughout the year to provide interprofessional experiences. Workshops are conducted to provide interprofessional, round-robin discussions. The workshops also include case study scenarios for various disciplines to work through to determine collaborative and comprehensive care opportunities.

“It was one of the best, learning opportunities for me as I try to be a better physician assistant for all of my colleagues. I have attended more than one workshop as each one expands my understanding of the various disciplines and ways to work together,” explained Mark Thompson, third-year medical student.

To learn more and to register for an upcoming Interprofessional Workshop visit NEWAHEC Interprofessional Workshops