A Proposed Framework for Interprofessional Curriculum Integration

Abstract

Within health professional education, an integrated curriculum is not uncommon, yet clarity with integrating interprofessional activities into uniprofessional curricula remains elusive. This paper hopes to open a dialogue about approaches to the integration of interprofessional competency development within health professions curricula. An Interprofessional Framework for Curricular Integration is proposed as a means to support educators with reflecting on their current interprofessional activities, and to identify possible ways to achieve greater integration within their own uniprofessional programs. The framework highlights the explicit roles of educators and patient partners in the design and delivery of the interprofessional experience to support the students’ learning. Exploring integration approaches of interprofessional experiences in uniprofessional curriculum allows the opportunity to examine ways to optimally integrate development of interprofessional collaborative practice knowledge, skills and attitudes, and better ensure that our health professions programs prepare collaborative-ready health professionals who function effectively within complex health systems.