Securing intersubjectivity through interprofessional workplace learning experiences

Abstract

Effective interprofessional work is premised on high levels of shared understandings (i.e. intersubjectivity) among those who are co-working. In particular, when quick or seemingly spontaneous responses are required for urgent or immediate action, what is termed as “shared intuition” is highly desirable. Much of the required intersubjectivity can arise ordinarily through everyday healthcare collaborations, such as through joint problem-solving. Yet, a concern is how best to develop these capacities in circumstances when co-working is temporary, fleeting and partial, and also when the goals to be achieved are ambiguous and uncertain, and the processes indeterminate. To achieve the kinds and levels of intersubjectivity required for these non-routine forms of care and intermittent interprofessional working, therefore, likely requires particular curriculum and pedagogic interventions within practice settings. These interventions may be used to shape the organisation and sequencing of experiences for interprofessional work through which can arise a foundation of shared understanding of concepts, procedures and values. Yet, to assist the articulation, sharing, appraising and elaborating shared disciplinary and personal-professional positions, values and procedures, specific pedagogic interventions may also be required, albeit their exercise being embedded in co-working practices in healthcare work activities.

• Co-working
• experiences
• interprofessional working
• inter-psychological processes
• inter-subjectivity
• shared intuition
• workplace learning