Chair: Dr Luzaan Africa
(University of Western Cape)
Committee:
Dr Firdouza Waggie
(University of Stellenbosch)
Hanlie Pitout
(Sefako Makgatho University)
Redefining identity doesn’t mean replacing; it means expanding. As educators, practitioners, and students, our professional identity is essential. But it is through collaboration, shared goals, and interprofessional teamwork that we become fully prepared for the realities of health and social care. That’s why we need to grow an interprofessional identity:
- Embrace the professional role and the interprofessional team role
- Strong in our discipline
- Confident in interprofessional collaboration
- Practice of teamwork
- Engaged in collaborative research and theoretical underpinning
vision
To strengthen interprofessional education, collaboration, and identity formation in Sub-Saharan Africa through increased networking amongst different health professionals, fostering an identity that values both one’s profession and one’s role within an interprofessional team.
Mission
To provide a platform for SAAHE members to share IPE expertise and experiences, partake in IPE professional development opportunities, and establish IPECP research teams. In addition, promoting the development of an interprofessional identity, enriching health professions education and practice.
background
“Pleased to Meet Us: Embracing Interprofessional Identity”
Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (IPECP) is gaining acknowledgment and support in health professions education and in health practices worldwide. The advantage of working in interprofessional teams has been described extensively, with evidence of the positive outcomes of IPECP published in health professions journals.
Many universities display an increased commitment towards IPECP, ranging from established dedicated units to individual champions who facilitate IPE workshops and seminars presented to both staff and students.
This SIG is an ideal platform to promote an IPECP community of practice, as this is where researchers, educators, and clinical practitioners come together to learn with, from, and about, each other. Now, as IPE evolves, our focus extends to interprofessional identity. The values, attitudes, and sense of belonging that allow professionals to not only work together but see themselves as part of an interprofessional team. An interprofessional identity encompasses one’s professional identity, enriching personal growth, collaborative capacity, and ultimately patient care.
Actvities
In the coming period, the SIG will build on this work by:
- Creating repository of resources to help individuals and institutions establish IPECP curricula: Contextually relevant publications, dissertations, and human resources
- Facilitating partnerships, networks, and collaborations: Research calls for collaborative projects
- Providing a platform to explore frameworks and tools for interprofessional identity, curriculum development, assessment, collaborative practice: Webinars
- Showcasing research in interprofessional contexts: Journal clubs, IPE-focused conference
To join any of our SIG’s and obtain SAAHE membership, please complete the membership form