Abstract
This study was aimed at examining the background and extant situation related to interprofessional education (IPE) within the health and social care systems in the UK, by reviewing the available literature and field survey data of the IPE project administered primarily by the University of Southampton. Factors affecting IPE that are considered important are as follows: Firstly, restructuring of service delivery systems has been undertaken in response to difficulties that have arisen in response to the un-collaborative nature of national and local governments. Secondly, the findings of public inquiries focused attention on the need for changes in interprofessional working. Thirdly, the effective and efficient delivery of services requires collaboration. Thus, IPE initiatives need to be conducted at the time of pre-qualifying education. As for actual IPE initiatives, group studies involving a variety of professionals, and practice-based learning have been designed in stages, each relying on user-oriented experience. The process is based on a training programme of practice teachers, a strategy group responsible for collaborating with various stakeholders, an influential steering group, combined with practical use of an e-learning system. This project could serve as a model for the restructuring not only of pre-qualified education, but also service delivery systems.
