Learning how to work in an interprofessional environment: how students transition to allied health professionals working interprofessionally

ABSTRACT

Allied health professionals (AHPs) often work with other health professions to provide specialized support so that patients receive optimal care. Therefore, new graduate AHPs need to be able to engage collaboratively with various health professionals in the provision of health care services. This study examines new AHP graduates’ experiences and reflections on the transition to working in an interprofessional environment. Participants were new graduates (n = 18) from different universities, working in a hospital context, from occupational therapy, speech pathology, social work, pharmacy, and physiotherapy. Qualitative data were collected via two semi-structured interviews conducted over 12 months. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, with three key themes emerging: (a) The role of the work context, 2) Learning to work interprofessionally, and 3) Developing an interprofessional identity. We discuss the implications for universities and workplaces in enhancing interprofessional practice and learning opportunities among new graduates.

KEYWORDS:

• Interprofessional
• allied health
• new graduate transition
• interprofessional learning
• professional identityr

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Menzies Health Institute Queensland is a joint Griffith University and Menzies Foundation entity.

Notes on contributors

L. Jones

Liz Jones is Professor and Head of Department of Psychology at Monash University Malaysia and President of International Association of Language and Social psychology. She is a registered psychologist who focuses on social and organisational psychology. Her research interests are in health and organisational communication and health service delivery, as well as the transition to university and from university to work.

D. Fowler

Danielle Fowler completed a Master of Organisational Psychology at Griffith University and is a registered psychologist. Her interests are in training and development. She currently works in the Queensland Department of Communities, Disability and Seniors.

A. Bialocerkowski

Andrea Bialocerkowski (PhD) is a registered physiotherapist and academic leader with substantial expertise in the development, implementation and evaluation of innovative learning and teaching practices in areas such as micro-credentials and professional development, online and interprofessional learning, simulated and work-integrated learning. Andrea is currently the Director of Micro-credentialing and Professional Development, in Griffith Health, Griffith University

N. Sheeran

Nicola Sheeran is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Applied Psychologist at Griffith University. Her research interests sit generally in the social health psychology field and she has a particular interest in communication in health contexts, the role of culture in patient preferences for health communication, and unplanned pregnancy, domestic violence, and reproductive coercion. Nicola is the Interprofessional Learning lead for the school and is committed to embedding Interprofessional learning for all health students.