QU Health's Interprofessional Education (IPE) Organizes the 'Effective Teamwork' Event

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Qatar University (QU)'s Health Sector, through its Interprofessional Education (IPE) Office, hosted a groundbreaking event in Spring 2024 aimed at fostering effective teamwork and communication within the healthcare realm. The inaugural IPE activity, themed "Being an Effective Team Player," saw robust participation from students and facilitators across various disciplines, setting a new benchmark for collaborative healthcare education.

With 381 students and 43 facilitators from disciplines including Nursing, Health Sciences, Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy, the event was a melting pot of diverse perspectives. Notably, contributors from the University of Calgary in Qatar added further richness to the discussions, emphasizing the global relevance of interprofessional collaboration.

The activity, spanning two insightful hours, was strategically designed with four primary objectives. Prompting students to reflect on and respect the roles and responsibilities of fellow health professionals; encouraging recognition of the benefits of collaborative practice and interprofessional learning; Communication Enhancement: Facilitating discussions on improving communication, addressing breakdowns within healthcare teams, and emphasizing the equal importance of all health professions in delivering quality care.

This IPE activity was carefully designed to underscore the importance of team communication and decision-making within any health setting. The central objective of this activity is to emphasize the equal significance of all health professions.

The session commenced with an enlightening introduction by the lead facilitator, Dr. Alaa Daud, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at QU's College of Dental Medicine. Dr. Daud set the stage for the participants by presenting a compelling film clip narrating a real-life scenario in an operating room. The narrative vividly illustrated how the absence of proper communication, leadership, and assertiveness can precipitate faulty decisions with potentially serious and in the field of health, fatal consequences.

Following the impactful introduction, students gathered in their interprofessional groups to engage in a case-based discussion focused on instances of faulty communication within health teams. A key component of this interactive session involved students creating flow charts to map out the information exchange among various health professions and pinpoint potential areas of communication breakdown.

The session reached its conclusion with valuable insights contributed by the students. They proposed suggestions aimed at ensuring clear and accurate communication among health team members under all circumstances. This holistic approach to understanding and addressing communication challenges within healthcare teams is instrumental in fostering a collaborative and patient-centered environment.

The lead facilitator of the activity, Dr. Alaa Daud, expressed, "I found immense satisfaction in witnessing the vibrant exchange of perspectives among a diverse student cohort, which not only facilitated a deeper understanding of each other's roles but also cultivated a culture of shared decision-making. The students' enthusiastic approach towards IPE, coupled with their insightful reflections, left a lasting impression on me. They offered valuable contributions and, under the guidance of exceptional group facilitators, were encouraged to articulate their viewpoints openly. In reflection, I am deeply convinced that the IPE activity has met its objectives splendidly by enhancing communication skills, clarifying professional roles and responsibilities, augmenting team-based competencies, and fostering a spirit of collaboration among future healthcare professionals."

Reflecting on her experience as a facilitator in this activity, Prof. Fadwa Naji Al Halaiqa from the College of Nursing at QU said, "Empowering the students to be accountable and responsible team members is an important outcome of IPE. Being a facilitator for the IPE activity helps in discovering how students' negative beliefs change through effective discussion and elaboration in a positive direction (avoid blaming the individual and instead, look for circumstances)."

On the other hand, Ms. Marian Kapiri, Research Analyst and Scientific Writer at QU Health, said, "As a facilitator for this IPE activity, I witnessed the power of effective communication and teamwork in shaping future health professionals. Addressing misconceptions, fostering leadership, and promoting assertiveness are pivotal for students navigating the complex health services landscape. This experience not only improves individual skills now but also helps shape future health professionals for a more united and collaborative health system in Qatar. The amplifying effect benefits both students and the health system, creating a foundation for innovation, collaboration, efficiency, compassionate practice, and better health and wellbeing outcomes."

Ms. Zainab AlMuhsin, a student at the College of Pharmacy at QU, expressed, "Participating in IPE has been a crucial aspect of my academic journey. It goes beyond expanding our network and interactions with fellow students from various disciplines and different institutions outside QU! Through IPE, I have had the opportunity to see and learn from diverse perspectives. It became evident that many hold different views and ideas, making the experience of exploring these distinct perspectives truly informative. I appreciate the chance to learn with, from, and about each other, fostering a rich and collaborative learning environment."

Ms. Ayatallah Elkholy, a nursing student at the University of Calgary in Qatar, expressed, "My experience with Interprofessional Education (IPE) events has been immensely impactful, contributing significantly to each student's development in unique and positive ways. These events serve as a substantial building block for our growth as future health professionals. I would like to express my gratitude to QU for hosting us, providing a platform that enriches our learning experience."

This IPE initiative exemplifies QU Health's dedication to nurturing a collaborative and patient-centered environment, paving the way for compassionate health practices that will inspire positive change in the field. Qatar, with its diverse and rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, is poised for positive transformation through initiatives like this. By emphasizing the importance of teamwork, clear communication, and compassionate practices, QU Health is not only addressing the immediate needs of its health system but is also contributing to the broader goal of enhancing the overall well-being of the community.

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