Introduction
Interprofessional Learning (IPL) or Interprofessional Education (IPE) is an essential part of clinical education at Outreach Rescue, ensuring that students learn with, from, and about other healthcare professionals. By integrating IPE across various learning environments, including spoke placements, simulation days, and case study workshops, students develop essential teamwork, communication, and leadership skills that enhance their clinical practice.
To ensure IPL is structured and meaningful, the following approach is embedded within our Level 5 and Level 6 clinical programmes. e.g. First Response Emergency and Urgent Care (FREUC5) and L6 Diploma in Paramedic Sciences (RQF) (Subject to HCPC Approval).
Spoke Placement Workbooks
Before each spoke placement, students will receive a Spoke Placement Workbook tailored to the specific setting. These workbooks will have been shared in advance with the spoke placement staff who will be hosting the student, ensuring they are fully informed of the student’s learning objectives, expectations, and required activities. Placement personnel will also be briefed on the workbook’s use, ensuring they can effectively support the student’s learning and assessment throughout the placement. The workbooks include:
- Outline Learning Outcomes (LOs) relevant to the placement environment.
- Define Assessment Outcomes (AOs) to measure engagement and skill development.
- Provide structured tasks and activities that support IPL and role-specific learning.
By aligning spoke placement learning objectives with interprofessional practice, students gain valuable insight into the roles, responsibilities, and collaborative processes of various healthcare professions.
Interprofessional Learning in Practice
Throughout the programme, students will actively engage in structured IPL activities across multiple clinical settings. These activities include:
- Spoke Placements with Targeted IPL Objectives – Students will observe, interact, and collaborate with doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and emergency services.
- IPL Simulation Days – Practical scenarios involving nursing, medical, and allied health students, focusing on teamwork, communication, and patient-centred care.
- Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Meetings – Participation in joint case discussions, enabling students to understand decision-making processes and referral pathways.
- IPL Case Study Workshops – Students will present reflections on interprofessional experiences, highlighting lessons learned and best practices.
These activities reinforce the importance of collaborative working and ensure that students understand how their role as a paramedic fits within the wider healthcare system.
Monitoring and Assessment of IPL
To ensure effective participation in IPL, the following measures are in place:
- Structured Reflections – Students must submit at least two IPL reflections during their placements, demonstrating their engagement with collaborative learning.
- Practice Educator Sign-Off – Engagement with IPL is formally assessed within the Practice Assessment Document (PAD) and the Spoke Placement Workbooks, both of which contain IPL-specific elements.
- Faculty-Led IPL Debriefs – Students will review and discuss their experiences in structured debrief sessions, enabling further learning and development.