Health and Social Care students are mentoring their peers, so all can gain a greater appreciation of each other’s professional areas.
Interprofessional Education (IPE) has been an established part of health and social care courses at the University since 2018. This collaborative curriculum means students learn with, from, and about their peers in other programmes.
Part of this is the Student IPE Champions initiative. These students help break down silo working and foster a culture of collaboration through:
- Peer influence, support and role modelling
- Building a positive culture
- Addressing stereotypes and misconceptions
- Enhancing their communication and teamwork skills.
One of the new IPE Champions is Hannah Johnson, a third-year Midwifery student: “I decided to become an IPE Champion because previous IPE sessions genuinely changed the way I think about working within healthcare teams. They made me realise how important it is that I understand not only my own role, but the roles, responsibilities and perspectives of other professionals I work alongside.”
Joining Hannah is Amblessed John, a third-year Adult Nursing student: “My main duties as an IPE Champion will be to support and welcome students, help them settle into IPE activities, make sure they feel comfortable and included, answer their questions, share my experiences and signpost them to appropriate support when needed.
“IPE will benefit my studies by improving my communication, teamwork, and confidence, which are all important skills for my future career in nursing.”
Alexandria Farmer, a second- year Midwifery student, added: “I signed up to become an IPE champion because I want to support new students to build their confidence in building professional relationships and their knowledge base throughout their studies.
“IPE helps me to break down hierarchies and understand that each person is vital to a smooth-running health care system and everyone must be treated with respect and dignity.”
Find out more about Interprofessional Education at University of Northampton.