The Interprofessional Education (IPE) office at Qatar University’s (QU) QU Health hosted an event titled ‘Introducing IPE: Mental Health and Wellbeing’ attracting 93 students and 11 experienced facilitators from programmes such as human nutrition, public health, and nursing.
The initiative aimed to clarify the roles of different health professions in mental health and wellbeing, showcasing how each profession's scope of practice complements the other for improved outcomes. It also focused on identifying factors that enable and hinder collaborative, responsible, and culturally sensitive communication within interprofessional teams.
Guided by Dr Lily O'Hara, associate professor of public health and the lead facilitator of the activity, students engaged in a rich learning experience. They began with an icebreaker to build camaraderie, followed by discovery interviews to delve into the intricacies of various health professions.
The event's highlight was a compelling mental health case study, providing practical application of their learning.
With detailed information on vital signs, nutritional intake, and social history, students collaboratively addressed a mental health case involving a 23-year-old female. Through role-play, they explored the patient's psyche, discussed treatment plans, and navigated the complex healthcare landscape.
The event helped foster a culture of teamwork, mutual understanding, and culturally sensitive communication among interprofessional teams.
QU strives to develop health professionals who are empathetic, collaborative leaders ready to tackle future health challenges with confidence.
Dr Lily O’Hara said: “This IPE activity helped students from different health professions to understand the roles they play in improving mental health. It was particularly beneficial as the case study involved a university student, allowing participants to relate through their own experiences.”
Two students from QU’s College of Nursing also shared their thoughts on the initiative.
Aalya Sheikh, said: “This IPE activity was instrumental in helping us understand our roles in improving mental health. The relatable case study made it particularly impactful.”
Allianah Paculanang added: “The IPE activity allowed me to collaborate with various health professions and understand their roles in healthcare. It was eye-opening to see how we worked together, preparing me for real-life collaboration in my future career.”
