At the National Interprofessional Education Forum, hosted by Cardiff Metropolitan University last month, Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) explored how interprofessional education can enrich students’ learning journeys. The discussion focused on how interprofessional education can be meaningfully embedded in both education and practice.
The event welcomed several members of Centre for Advancement of Interprofessional Education (CAIPE), the leading organisation in the UK for Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice.
CAIPE describe interprofessional education as occurring “when two or more professions learn with, from and about each other to improve collaboration and the quality of care.”
Raising awareness and embedding interprofessional education helps students broaden their skills and understand how collaboration between professions leads to more effective, joined-up care. This ultimately improves patient outcomes and supports a safer, more compassionate healthcare culture.
HEIW’s contribution highlighted that students’ learning is most impactful when educators and supervisors actively support them to learn with, from, and about the other professionals they work alongside. A key takeaway was that interprofessional learning doesn’t happen automatically just because professionals work together, it requires intentional guidance and facilitation.
The impact of interprofessional education and learning aligns with HEIW’s strategic focus on improving care delivery through education and training. It supports national priorities such as A Healthier Wales, which promotes integrated, person-centred care. Interprofessional learning also strengthens understanding of holistic approaches and prepares students to work confidently across professional boundaries.
Simon Cassidy, Head of Placement Experience and Improvement at HEIW, said:
“Exposure to interprofessional working helps students and trainees get ready for professional registration. It supports the development of key values and behaviours, builds compassionate leadership skills, and improves understanding of how working across professions supports joined-up care and a culture of safe practice.”