Interprofessional learning in practice

The NHS provides a rich culture of innovation, change and opportunities to improve patient care. This article will discuss the setting required to enable the inclusion of interprofessional learning (IPL) and interprofessional working (IPW) to become an inherent part of an organisation's learning and working strategy. The focus of activity in relation to IPL and IPW is currently associated with academia and delivery of programmes for pre- and post-registration learners in universities, from all areas of the healthcare team, including nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and social workers. This article argues the need for NHS trusts and social care organisations to embrace interprofessional learning and working in a more unified and coordinated way. This will need extensive investment with controlled change management programmes from central government.