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.