title: Implementation of interprofessional learning activities in a professional practicum: The emerging role of technology.
abstract: To prepare future healthcare professionals to collaborate effectively, many universities have developed interprofessional education programs (IPE). Till date, these programs have been mostly courses or clinical simulation experiences. Few attempts have been made to pursue IPE in healthcare clinical settings. This article presents the results of a pilot project in which interprofessional learning activities (ILAs) were implemented during students' professional practicum and discusses the actual and potential use of informatics in the ILA implementation. We conducted a pilot study in four healthcare settings. Our analysis is based on focus group interviews with trainees, clinical supervisors, ILA coordinators, and education managers. Overall, ILAs led to better clarification of roles and understanding of each professional's specific expertise. Informatics was helpful for developing a common language about IPE between trainees and healthcare professionals; opportunities for future application of informatics were noted. Our results support the relevance of ILAs and the value of promoting professional exchanges between students of different professions, both in academia and in the clinical setting. Informatics appears to offer opportunities for networking among students from different professions and for team members' professional development. The use of technology facilitated communication among the participants.
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Nursing , University of Montreal , Montreal , Quebec , Canada .
authors.forename: Isabelle
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Brault
authors.affiliation: b Occupational Therapy Department , Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières , Quebec , Canada .
authors.forename: Pierre-Yves
authors.initials: PY
authors.lastname: Therriault
authors.affiliation: c Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine , University of Montreal , Montreal , Quebec , Canada , and.
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: St-Denis
authors.affiliation: d Faculty of Medicine , University of Montreal , Montreal , Quebec , Canada.
authors.forename: Paule
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lebel
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003479:Curriculum; D017144:Focus Groups; D006281:Health Occupations / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D010348:Patient Care Team; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D013672:Technology
keywords: Clinical practicum; informatics; information technology; interprofessional education; interprofessional learning; interprofessional practice; interprofessional research