QU's IPE Office promotes teamwork in healthcare

Qatar University's (QU) Health sector, through its Interprofessional Education (IPE) Office, hosted an event to foster effective teamwork and communication within the healthcare realm.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. The contributors from the University of Calgary in Qatar added further richness to the discussions, emphasising the global relevance of interprofessional collaboration. The IPE activity was designed to underscore the importance of team communication and decision-making within any health setting.In his introduction, the lead facilitator, Dr Alaa Daud (assistant dean for Student Affairs at QU’s College of Dental Medicine) presented a film clip narrating a real-life scenario in an operating room, illustrating how the absence of proper communication, leadership and assertiveness can precipitate faulty decisions with potentially serious and in the field of health, fatal consequences.Subsequently, students gathered in their interprofessional groups to engage in a case-based discussion focused on instances of faulty communication within health teams. They proposed suggestions aimed at ensuring clear and accurate communication among health team members under all circumstances.Reflecting on her experience as a facilitator in this activity, Prof Fadwa Naji al-Halaiqa from the College of Nursing at QU said that empowering the students to be accountable and responsible team members is an important outcome of IPE.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."Zainab AlMuhsin, a student at the College of Pharmacy at QU, said that participating in IPE has been a crucial aspect of her academic journey. Ayatallah Elkholy, a nursing student at the University of Calgary in Qatar, recalled that her experience with IPE events has been immensely impactful, contributing significantly to each student's development in unique and positive ways.