Fundamentals of interprofessional communication: A case study of an online facilitated learning experience

This chapter presents the development, implementation and evaluation of a module on interprofessional communication skills that incorporates principles of problem-based learning, delivered entirely online. Learners focus initially on foundational concepts of relationship and patient centered care, the importance of self awareness and understanding their own professional values and biases, progressing towards teamworking to develop common patient care goals. The module faculty facilitator is essential to role model and foster interprofessional collaboration. Qualitative content analyses of discussion board postings across 29 students, supplemented by small-scale in-depth interviews and a focus group, reveal they are able to learn interprofessional communication skills online. The 10 students who undertook both module components completed a project evaluation form: there was 85.6% agreement that the module taught them about interprofessional education and 92.9% agreement that their knowledge of other health professionals' perspectives increased. An online module can support the development of communication skills, but is recommended as one component of an overall interprofessional education curriculum. © 2010, IGI Global.