The CAIPE definition of Interprofessional Education

Initially the definition put forward by CAIPE focussed on the purpose of IPE, to differentiate / distinguish it from multiprofessional education, and also to clarify the meaning of IPE. Until 1997, a number of terms were being used interchangeably, such as shared learning, common learning, multiprofessional learning and with different interpretations and for different reasons.

Discussion regarding the need for clarification was first published in the CAIPE Bulletin (13 Summer 1997) and the following definition was proposed:

Occasions when two or more professions learn together with the object of cultivating collaborative practice

Although there is no recorded discussion about the change (that I can find), it was revised later in the same year to

Occasions when two or more professions learn from and about each other to improve collaboration and the quality of care (CAIPE 1997 revised – in Barr 2002)

This was the definition used by CAIPE until 2002 and clearly differentiated it from multiprofessional education which was defined as Occasions when two or more professions learn together for whatever reason) (Barr 2002)

In 2001, the definition was underpinned by the publication of CAIPE’s Principles of Interprofessional Education ( CAIPE 2001). These were published as a separate paper to guide the provision and commissioning of IPE and to assist in its development and evaluation; also in order to protect and promote the distinctive qualities of interprofessional education at a time when IPE was being integrated into mainstream professional and vocational education. The principles drew on the IPE literature, evidence base, and the experience of CAIPE members, underpinned by values common to all care professionals including a commitment to equal opportunities and a positive regard for difference, diversity and individuality.

However, within CAIPE it was felt that the definition was still not specific enough. ‘Learning from and about one another’ often enabled teaching / learning strategies 2 2 such the use of didactic lectures by a member of one profession to students from a different profession to be called interprofessional education. These did not ensure the interaction between the students / members of different professions necessary for interprofessional learning (source, HL’s personal notes and recollections of discussions and emails with Board members).

In 2002, the definition was again revised to include the word ‘with’

Interprofessional Education occurs when two or more professions learn with, from and about each other to improve collaboration and the quality of care. (Barr 2002)

In 2006, in response to numerous requests over the previous year, CAIPE re – issued the Definition and its Principles of Interprofessional Education statement, together with a revised commentary.

This included an additional statement which clarified that CAIPE used the term Interprofessional Education to include all such learning in academic and work based settings before and after qualification, adopting an inclusive view of ‘professional’. (CAIPE 2006)

The clarity and concision of this definition struck a chord which still resonates today. It has been recognised and generally accepted as the authoritative definition, and is used nationally and internationally. Although organisations and education institutions across the world have on occasion modified it slightly and added to the definition to reflect a particular context and situation, it is frequently referenced as being based on CAIPE’s definition and is in essence that definition.

References

  • Barr, H (2002) Multiprofessional Education, A Definition. Occasional Paper No 1 Interprofessional Education Today, Yesterday and Tomorrow, pg. 6 . London. LTSN for Health Sciences and Practice
  • CAIPE (1997) a Definition, Interprofessional Education. Bulletin no.13 Summer, London. CAIPE
  • CAIPE (1997 revised) Interprofessional Education, A Definition cited in Barr (2002) Occasional Paper No 1 Interprofessional Education Today, Yesterday and Tomorrow, pg. 6 . London. LTSN for Health Sciences and Practice 3 3
  • CAIPE (2001) Principles of Interprofessional Education. London. CAIPE
  • CAIPE (2006) Statement on the Definition and Principles of Interprofessional education (re issued) Bulletin no 26 Autumn. CAIPE

Helena Low
Former CAIPE Vice Chair
July 2023