Table 1.

Example of a team and an individual reflection on IPC

Part of a team reflection, written by a medical student (interprofessional team meeting Y)

… ‘All disciplines thought that the meeting was useful. It was useful to hear the other allied healthcare and nursing students explaining their differing visions on things. Their tips and advice has helped us medical students to look at a patient case from a broader perspective and to prevent us from limiting ourselves to treating the symptoms only. Several methods of approaching a number of physical and cognitive problems were discussed. The good thing about it was the fact that a number of approaches were discussed which would perhaps not immediately occur to a physician, but other areas of healthcare would have a solution. The interdisciplinary exchange of views was an enriching experience, which once again made it clear that as a physician you are not only there for the health problems of your patients. You need to be aware that there are many other services and caregivers that you can (and sometimes must) contact, formally or informally, in order to provide good and complete care to your patients.’…

Part of an individual reflection, written by an allied healthcare student (interprofessional team meeting Z)

… ‘During the team meeting we worked together on a number of cases from practice. In this, we worked more on a practical level and looked at what each of the different disciplines could do for a client. By doing this, you gain good insight into working with other disciplines. It also gives you an impression of how a team meeting is conducted and the sort of thing that is discussed there. At Zuyd we had already collaborated with other disciplines, but not with other institutions. What I found so interesting was how much interest medical students showed in what the Zuyd students had to say. I hadn’t expected this. My take home message for the future is that other disciplines can help and support you really well. They can make you see things from a different perspective and introduce new possibilities. Further, when I am compiling a treatment plan, I will be able to focus more on finding out what other disciplines would be able to do for the client. Now, the focus is all on occupational therapy and not what others could do for the client. I can continue to reflect on this, and improve my competence in the management and treatment of the client.’ …