Interprofessional Collaboration in Health Science Education ( To err may be human , but together we can do something about it ! )

To prepare tomorrow’s healthcare practitioners for challenges in medicine and to make the healthcare environment safer, the University of Florida Colleges of Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy have combined forces to develop novel teaching strategies. The institution devised a four-hour series of learning activities designed to heighten awareness of medical errors and patient safety with core sessions involving interprofessional teams composed of students from each discipline. High-fidelity simulation techniques were employed to provide experiential learning and opportunities for self-discovery in a safe training environment. Attitudes, skills and behaviors were assessed and analyzed. Common themes included teamwork, communication and patient-centered care. Preliminary results demonstrated that interprofessional simulation as a training activity among health science students was both well-received and effective. This article discusses the issues and ideology that led to this endeavor as well as future directions.