Interprofessional Education and Practice and the Application of Social Network Analysis

Carlo Lazzari

Department of Psychiatry, International Centre for Healthcare and Medical Education (ICHME), Bristol, United Kingdom

Dr. Carlo Lazzari, Department of Psychiatry, International Centre for Healthcare and Medical Education (ICHME), Bristol, United Kingdom.

Keywords: Interprofessional Education; Interprofessional Practice; Social Network Analysis

Abstract

Interprofessional teams improve quality of care and patient safety. There is a growing interest in understanding how interprofessional education and practice (IPEP) functions and to endorse its philosophy in healthcare professionals. Furthermore, many hospitals and healthcare organizations have specific policies for the promotion of interprofessional education and practice in the health personnel. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of collaborative practice becomes pivotal for the improvement of research and applications in interprofessional teamwork. Social Network Analysis (SNA) is becoming a promising venue for understanding and representing dynamics and flaws in interprofessional practice. The current commentary explores the basics of IPEP and the application of SNA research.

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