Abstract

This paper will examine the ongoing implementation of the interprofessional education (IPE) curriculum in pre-registration programmes at Bournemouth University. The IPE curriculum started in 2005/06 and is delivered to 560 students from Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Operating Department Practitioner, Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work students during the spring term of the students first year. Preparation for Professional Practice is a 20 credit level C unit (10ECTS) which aims to prepare students to work in an interprofessional environment and to explore what makes a 'professional' by considering relevant legislation, ethics and codes of professional conduct. The unit is delivered through a blended learning approach using lectures, seminars, e-discussion groups, learning materials on Blackboard, a simulated community, student guided learning and a group project. The paper will tell the story of how the unit team was formed and the journey taken to develop the learning materials, the experience of delivery and the lessons learned for future practice. Particular links will be made to the work of Fullan, Senge and Wegner as frameworks which can support curriculum development in flexible and complex educational environments.