Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (IPECP) are essential for preparing future healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality, team-based care. To maximize the impact of IPECP initiatives, it is crucial to integrate foundational learning theories that explain how individuals acquire knowledge, develop skills, and form professional identities within collaborative environments. This presentation examines the application of behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and humanism in the design and implementation of IPE curricula, highlighting how these frameworks contribute to fostering dual identity development—both as members of a specific profession and as collaborators in interprofessional teams.
The session will explore how each theory informs IPE pedagogy and learning environments. Behaviorism and cognitivism will be discussed in the context of skill development and task-oriented learning. Constructivism and humanism will be emphasized for their ability to support critical thinking, collaboration, and the personal and professional growth of learners. Special attention will be given to the humanistic approach, which promotes empathy, reflection, and mutual respect—key components of effective interprofessional practice.
Drawing on a review of the literature and case examples, this presentation will evaluate the impact of applying multiple learning theories on student outcomes, professional identity formation, and interprofessional teamwork. The role of theory-informed pedagogy in enhancing learner engagement and competency development will also be addressed.
By integrating diverse learning theories into IPE design, educators can create more inclusive, effective, and reflective learning experiences that support both professional and interprofessional identity development. In particular, the humanistic approach enhances the relational competencies needed for collaborative, patient-centered care. These theory-informed strategies ultimately support improved healthcare outcomes and help prepare a workforce capable of delivering equitable, team-based care.
In support of improving patient care, this activity is planned and implemented by The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education Office of Interprofessional Continuing Professional Development (National Center OICPD). The National Center OICPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
As a Jointly Accredited Provider, the National Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The National Center maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive continuing education credits.
The National Center OICPD (JA#: 4008105) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs).
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.
Physicians: The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education designates this live activity for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with their participation.
Physician Assistants: The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME.
Nurses: Participants will be awarded contact hours of credit for attendance at this workshop.
Nurse Practitioners: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME and ANCC.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians: This activity is approved for contact hours.
Athletic Trainers: This program is eligible for Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
Social Workers: As a Jointly Accredited Organization, the National Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The National Center maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive continuing education credits.
IPCE: This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.
Learners can claim CE credit by completing the Daily Evaluation.
