Integrating Social Work Into Interprofessional Education

A Review of One University’s Curriculum to Prepare Students for Collaborative Practice in Healthcare

Authors

  • Keith Adamson university of toronto
  • Rachelle Ashcroft University of Toronto
  • Sylvia Langlois
  • Dean Lising University of Toronto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18060/23602

Keywords:

interprofessional education, social work, university, collaborative practice in healthcare

Abstract

The University of Toronto Interprofessional Education Curriculum (IPE) is an exemplar of advancing interprofessional education with a focus on preparing students for practice in healthcare settings. Our paper begins with a detailed overview of the University of Toronto’s IPE program including the range of participating faculties, an overview of the curriculum including examples of learning activities, and the social work specific expectations that are embedded in the core and elective components. Following, is a discussion on mitigating the challenges and engaging opportunities associated with integrating social work in a healthcare-focused IPE program at a major Canadian University. Our exploration of mitigating challenges and engaging opportunities will span five key areas: a) Creating meaningful learning experiences for social work students; b) Implementing mandatory or elective IPE participation; c) Scheduling of IPE activities; d) The role of social work faculty in driving student involvement in IPE; and e) Strengthening social work professional leadership for IPE.

Author Biographies

Rachelle Ashcroft, University of Toronto

Assistant professor, Faculty of Social Work

Sylvia Langlois

Associate Professor, University of Toronto, Occupational therapy and Office of Interprofessional education

Dean Lising, University of Toronto

Office of interprofessional education, University of Toronto - Team based practice education lead

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Published

2020-09-10