The next frontier: utilizing eLearning as an innovative approach to advance and sustain interprofessionalism

ABSTRACT

The challenges to sustaining interprofessional education (IPE) are numerous and well-documented. These challenges include crowded curricula, scheduling conflicts, lack of physical space, faculty availability, and financial considerations. In turn, IPE is often viewed and treated as an add-on rather than an integral part of healthcare education, leading to sporadic implementation and vulnerability to institutional changes. The concept of eLearning, utilizing electronic technologies for education, emerges as a potential solution to these challenges and could serve as the “next frontier” for IPE. eLearning offers a flexible and scalable platform to deliver IPE, transcending geographical and time constraints. Recent research highlights the benefits of eLearning-based IPE, including enhanced collaboration, learner satisfaction, and clinical application. eLearning allows learners to engage in virtual simulations, reflexive exercises, and collaborative problem-solving, fostering essential skills for future healthcare teams. Interprofessional eLearning courses can seamlessly integrate into existing health professions curricula, catering to busy professionals and students. Most importantly, eLearning promotes consistent and purposeful embedding of interprofessional values and competencies throughout education, training, and professional development. In this Short Report, we utilize the Center for Advancing Interprofessional Practice, Education, and Research (CAIPER) at Arizona State University as a rudimentary “critical instance” case study for advancing and sustaining IPE through eLearning program development. CAIPER exemplifies this approach by constructing engaging evidence-based eLearning IPE courses ranging from examining and applying interprofessionalism in primary care to empathy and humility team-based training. CAIPER’s eLearning courses have reached a global audience of over 65,000 learners highlighting the reach, impact, and viability of eLearning for sustainable IPE. Although further research is needed, eLearning presents a promising solution to the systemic challenges of IPE, and by embracing eLearning and embedding interprofessional eLearning courses in existing curricula, institutions can ensure the consistent, accessible, and sustainable delivery of high-quality IPE experiences.

KEYWORDS:

• Curriculum
• elearning
• innovation
• sustainability

Disclosure statement

Certain eLearning courses featured in this Short Report are for-profit for the Center of Advancing Interprofessional Education, Research and Practice (CAIPER). All financial information has been disclosed.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Barret Michalec

Barret Michalec is the director of the Center for Advancing Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research (CAIPER) and an associate professor at the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University. His research examines socialization and professionalization processes and mechanisms nested within health professions education and practice – most notably those impacting socio-emotional and team-based skills and attributes.

Yvonne Price

Yvonne Price is the Associate Director of Learning Solutions at the ASU Center for Advancing Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research (CAIPER). She leads the design, development, and distribution of innovative learning products in collaboration with academic and business stakeholders.

Nina Karamehmedovic

Nina Karamehmedovic is the Project and Program Manager for the Center for Advancing Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research (CAIPER). Passionate about innovation and excellence, adept at harnessing project management tools and resources, and with extensive background spanning multiple industries, Nina has helped develop high-performing interprofessional teams and deliver exceptional results across diverse research and education projects during her 10-year tenure with CAIPER.

Jody Thompson

Jody Thompson develops and manages the digital outreach, research communications, and marketing initiatives for the Center for Advancing Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research (CAIPER). Her expertise in digital strategies brings teams, learners, educators, and communities together for knowledge sharing, development, and improving patient and community care.