An interdisciplinary approach to introducing professionalism.
OBJECTIVE
To provide interdisciplinary structured activities in academic and clinical settings for introducing the concept of professionalism to health professions students.


METHODS
Undergraduate and graduate students from 8 health care disciplines including pharmacy, nursing, communication sciences and disorders, dietetics and nutrition science, genetic counseling, advanced medical imaging, medical technology, and physical therapy participated in an orientation program focusing on interdisciplinary health care and professionalism, as well as a field experience.


RESULTS
Survey results from both components (orientation, n = 284; field experience, n = 123) indicated that the project was valuable in increasing students' awareness of (1) the importance of professionalism in the clinical setting and (2) the potential contributions of their profession to the health care team.


CONCLUSIONS
Health professions curricula should include interdisciplinary learning opportunities that enhance collaboration, collegiality, and professionalism among future members of the health care team.
Brehm
Bonnie
B
College of Nursing, University of Cincinnati, PO Box 210038, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0038, USA. bonnie.brehm@uc.edu
Breen
Phyllis
P
Brown
Bethanne
B
Long
Lisa
L
Smith
Rebecca
R
Wall
Andrea
A
Warren
Nancy Steinberg
NS
D003142:Communication; D003625:Data Collection; D006281:Health Occupations; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011361:Professional Competence