Interprofessional health care - field of study with future and challenges / Interprofessionelle Versorgung – Ein Studiengebiet mit Zukunft und Herausforderungen

Abstract Background At Alice Salomon University in Berlin, the project «Healthcare Professionals - Bachelor for Interprofessional Healthcare and Management» aims at developing a joint online, part-time study course for nursing staff, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists. Objectives Based on innovative learning modules, the study course aims at improving inter-professional cooperation in healthcare, thus enhancing the quality of care for patients. Questions Do executives and professionals see a need for action with regard to interprofessional healthcare? How can employers support part-time students attending the study course alongside employment? Which requirements should the study course meet in terms of contents and structure to balance studies and employment? Methods Quantitative online survey among executives and professionals using questionnaires. A descriptive approach was employed to evaluate the quantitative data statistically. Results The executives› survey confirmed a definite need for enhanced skills acquired through higher education and revealed a strong wish for more interprofessional cooperation than what is commonly practiced in healthcare today. Innovative study formats and cooperation on the part of the employers are necessary to balance work and studies. Discussion The challenge now is conceptualizing a study course that promotes the online development of interprofessional and scientific skills, imparts future-oriented and practice-relevant contents and is flexible to accommodate the needs of employed, part-time students.