IPE FAQs

Below are common inquiries about IPE and the Center for Health Interprofessional Practice and Education. Please contact us if you need more information. 
 
What does "health interprofessional practice and education" mean?

The Center for Health IPE aligns with the World Health Organization's (WHO's) and Interprofessional Education Collaborative's (IPEC's) definitions pertaining to collaborative education, practice, and team-based care. Read more >

What programs at UT are involved in the Center for Health IPE?

The Center for Health IPE formally partners with the College of Education, College of Natural Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Dell Medical School, Moody College of Communication, School of Nursing, and the Steve Hicks School of Social Work to collaborate on interprofessional learning experiences that can be integrated into their respective curricula. The Center for Health IPE works with all professions and programs that are health care-related to advance interprofessional education and practice at UT Austin and beyond.   

Why is IPE important?

To transform health care delivery systems so they are more efficient and effective, health care teams must be trained to be more collaborative, through a framework set forth by the IPEC Core Competencies. These health care teams reflect principles established by the Quadruple Aim. IPE experiences and resources align with the Quadruple Aim and foster collaborative, well-functioning teams, better patient outcomes, improved population health, and increased efficiencies / lower costs. Health care professionals and students trained in IPE become sought-after change agents positioned to create a health care system that is more person-centered, collaborative, and cost-efficient. Further, accrediting bodies have instituted more stringent IPE requirements in their accreditation standards, as they recognize the need for health professions students to be trained in interprofessional learning experiences to be effective health care team members. 

How can students improve IPE skills?
  • Participate in and/or help lead interprofessional activities and events
  • Talk to students and health professionals in a different health profession about their role on the health care team
  • Look for courses that emphasize teamwork and communication
  • Take an elective that focuses on health IPE or includes students from other health professions
  • Work with your student organization to arrange interprofessional opportunities for community service or networking
How can faculty facilitate IPE on campus?
  • Participate in faculty development programs related to health IPE 
  • Require students to participate in IPE activities for extra credit, part of their course work, or as a portfolio requirement
  • Use teamwork in your class and construct learning activities that emphasize team-building and professional communication
  • Provide seats in your course for students from other health professions