The advantages of Inter Professional Education Opportunities
In 2021, a project called ‘Not the Last Resort’ developed and implemented an interprofessional learner training initiative in three care homes across Greater Manchester. Learners from a variety of disciplines, such as nursing, podiatry, physiotherapy, counselling and social work, completed a 6-week placement where they worked collaboratively to assist a small number of residents with their health and wellness goals.
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We found that
- Care homes are not ‘a last resort’ for when no other placements can be found! They are rewarding learning environments that offer rich opportunities for growth and development. Placements can quickly dismantle these embedded myths.
- Interprofessional placements in care homes also work to challenge embedded myths about silo working and show us the transformative potential of integrating students from diverse range of disciplines.
- Learners had common misconceptions about care homes prior to the placement. By the end of the initiative however, their viewpoints shifted. They felt that they had gained new knowledge, developed their skill sets and had the space to learn about the value of person-centered care. Some of the learners even went on to get a job within the sector.
- Care home staff felt that the scheme taught them the value of taking learners from diverse professions in caring for the residents. They recognised that non-traditional professions such as Sports Rehabilitation helped them to think ‘outside of the box’ and care for residents more holistically.
For more information contact m.stephens@salford.ac.uk, enquiries@salford.ac.uk or GM Training Hub GMTH@gmfeds.co.uk
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