Interprofessional Learning with Law and Medicine: "In Reality, No Profession Is an Island"

Abstract

Students of medicine and law rarely interact during their tertiary education. They hold stereotypical views which may impede their collaboration in the workplace. The aim of our study was to explore the impact of law and medicine students learning together in a simulated interprofessional learning (IPL) activity. Students enrolled in the final year of a Medicine program, and in a Bachelor of Laws program participated in an interprofessional simulation case workshop and guided reflection. Data comprised the written reflections of consenting students and were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. Three main themes were identified: New perspectives; Our goals are very similar; and IPL prepares us for the workplace. Contact with the other profession is effective in challenging perceptions and attitudes, developing a more positive view on how they may collaborate in a health care context. IPL between medicine and law can assist both groups in developing their readiness to commence work.

Keywords: interprofessional education; law; medicine; medicolegal; simulation.