ipe@ryerson.ca
416 979 5000 ext 7934

FAQs

What is IPE? Interprofessional Education (IPE) is defined as "…. two or more professions learning with, from and about each other to improve collaboration and the quality of care.” (CAIPE, 1997).  John Gilbert (2005), a leader in this field, argues that IPE is not a synonym for teamwork or for collaborative practice. Rather, IPE is about purposeful and engaged collegiality, building collaborative learning environments with the goal of improving the quality of care and/or service.   The term interprofessional education (IPE) is used in the literature and in the field to describe educational activities that are explicitly designed to increase learning with, from and about other professionals.  The goals of Interprofessional Education are Interprofessional Practice (IPP), and ultimately, Interprofessional Care.   Why is IPE important? Interprofessional education initiatives are important because of their potential to enhance practice. Freeth, Hammick, Reeves, Koppel and Barr (2005) describe interprofessional education (IPE) as a means to secure interprofessional learning. IPE promotes interprofessional collaboration and enhances professional practice and care. In other words, IPE enhances the knowledge of students and future workers in the field. In doing so, it encourages a holistic model of collaboration and increases the potential for addressing inequities in care and service relationships.   Why is IPE relevant to faculty/instructors/staff? It is imperative that interprofessional education and research occur within the academy. In order to create a sustainable culture of IPE at Ryerson, it is important that we have a wide range of participation and support. Working collaboratively to create healthy communities and to facilitate social change is more effective than working in isolation. Effective interprofessional initiatives have the potential to encourage collaboration and partnership by breaking down silos and challenging negative perceptions of other disciplines and practices. In doing so, educators and staff also benefit from learning with, from and about other professions.   Why is IPE relevant to students? Students need to learn how to work collaboratively in both the classroom and the field in order to practice collaboratively one they graduate. It is important for students to see collaborative work modeled in the classroom as seeing IPE in practice enhances students’ learning. Students who have an opportunity to learn with, from and about other disciplines have an enriched understanding of their own disciplinary roles as well the roles of other disciplines and professions. The knowledge and skill that can be developed through IPE is critical for successful practice in any profession.   I am not a regulated “health” professional. Can I still be part of IPE activities? Absolutely. Collaborative practice is not limited to regulated “professions”. Everyone has an important role to play in RU Interprofessional. This includes those who are not members of regulated health professionals and those who work in fields that are not directly involved in traditional health care; support workers, planners and social justice activists are just three examples.   Why healthy communities?  RU Interprofessional employs a broad definition of health that includes the social determinants of health. “Healthy communities” means creating spaces for everyone to have a voice and be engaged in the process. RU Interprofessional is framed to acknowledge that health must move beyond conventional, clinically-based definitions and that health care takes place in the community, beyond traditional institutions and practices. What is the difference between Interprofessional and Interdisciplinary? Interprofessional and interdisciplinary are often used interchangeably but they have different meanings and origins. Interprofessional signifies purposeful collaborative work with the intention of enhancing practice whereas interdisciplinary can involve cross disciplinary work that isn’t necessarily collaborative.  Interprofessional education also has as an explicit outcome; a change in skills and practices whereas interdisciplinary does not.   How can I get involved? RU Interprofessional needs your input, suggestions and creativity. Please share your thoughts and input at one of our events or get in touch with us at: IPE@ryerson.ca We will be creating a number of working groups around curriculum, practice and research. We welcome your suggestions and input on future events and initiatives.   If you are a student, please consider getting involved with RyHSSA. Their email address is: ryhssa@ryerson.ca   Please also visit our events page.   Where is the RU Interprofessional office located? For now our website is our virtual office. Updates on a physical space are forthcoming.