Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is redefining healthcare education through its Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (IPECP) Programme, a transformative initiative that equips final-year students with the collaborative and professional skills needed to thrive in multidisciplinary medical environments. With 360 final-year students from radiography, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nutrition and dietetics, speech-language and audiology, and medical programmes, the week-long programme provided an immersive experience in team-based patient care, mirroring real-world healthcare settings.

 

As a leading institution in health sciences, SMU is committed to producing competent, ethical, and team-oriented healthcare professionals. The IPECP programme embodies SMU’s core values—Excellence, Social Responsibility, Integrity, Ubuntu, and Scholarship—ensuring that graduates are not just specialists in their fields but also leaders in patient-centred, collaborative healthcare.

 

Student leader Samkele Jiyane, the face of the IPECP initiative, applauded the participants for embracing the programme. He encouraged them to consider IPECP as a valuable tool in their journey towards becoming compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals who uphold dignity, humility, and commitment in patient care—principles that align with SMU’s emphasis on Ubuntu and Integrity. “This programme is a game-changer for us as future healthcare professionals. It challenges us to think beyond our individual disciplines and work together for the betterment of patient care,” says Jiyane.

 

Throughout the week, participants engaged in a series of activities and presentations that highlighted the importance of interprofessional collaboration. Realistic case scenarios enabled students to explore the roles and responsibilities of various healthcare professions, fostering mutual understanding and respect. Workshops on professionalism and key assessments included life-saving practices essential during patient interactions. Students also addressed complex healthcare cases, honing their critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities. Group discussions explored ethical dilemmas such as the right to life, patient versus professional rights, and the intersection of ethics with constitutional principles.

 

A highlight of the programme was a session on rare disease awareness led by Sr Kate Mills from the South African Haemophilia Foundation (SAHF). She commended the students for their dedication to advancing interprofessional collaborative healthcare practices and emphasised the transformative impact of compassionate, patient-centred care across the health promotion, preventative, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative spectrum. “It is inspiring to see future healthcare leaders embracing the principles of teamwork and ethical patient care. This is the kind of transformation that will change healthcare for the better,” says Mills.

 

Renowned speakers further enriched the learning experience. Dr Hanlie Pitout, a leading IPECP expert, delivered a compelling presentation on the “Five Ws and H” of interprofessional education and collaborative practice. Nurse specialists Sr Grace Nkgapele and Isabel Benninghof of V&A Private Company shared invaluable insights into patient-centred care, highlighting the repercussions of unprofessional conduct and the importance of accountability in healthcare.

 

Their message was symbolised by the acronym HEALTH, which resonated strongly with participants and highlighted key principles:

• H – Help patients with excellence.
• E – Act with precision and excellence.
• A – Show love in patient interactions.
• L – Foster trust through genuine care.
• T – Demonstrate humility in service.
• H – Uphold honesty in all professional conduct.

 

These principles align seamlessly with SMU’s values, serving as a powerful reminder of the ethos that underpins compassionate and professional healthcare.

 

The programme also emphasised the importance of 12 key assessments in saving lives, effective communication, and functional teamwork within primary healthcare settings. These lessons are especially pertinent in the context of South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI) and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

Thokozile Kgongwana, the IPECP Programme Coordinator, highlights its significance in preparing students for professional healthcare practice in under-resourced systems. “This programme has been a resounding success, equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in primary healthcare interprofessional teams,” she says. “Interprofessional collaboration is the future of healthcare, and SMU is at the forefront of instilling this mindset in our graduates.”

 

The IPECP programme is a cornerstone of SMU’s mission to be a leading African university in health sciences, strengthening its role in shaping future healthcare leaders. By the end of the week, participants had developed a deeper understanding of interprofessional dynamics, ethical decision-making, and the critical role of professionalism in patient care.

 

As SMU continues to champion interprofessional education, the IPECP programme remains a vital platform for fostering collaboration, professionalism, and patient-centred care. This transformative initiative not only prepares students for successful careers but also cements SMU’s impact on the healthcare sector both nationally and globally.

By Dimakatso Modise