Interprofessional Learning (IPL) in action: Medical and Nursing students collaborate on a complex case

In line with the University’s interdisciplinary learning approach, an innovative Interprofessional Learning (IPL) activity was held last Monday at the initiative of Dr Danny Alon Ellenbogen, Clinical Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases at the Medical School and Dr Monica Nikitara, Assistant Professor at the School of Life and Health Sciences.

The session brought together Year 5 Medical students and Year 2 Nursing students, who formed Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) to address a complex case of multimorbidity using a simulated patient.

Designed to replicate real-world clinical practice, the session moved beyond theoretical learning and challenged students to reconcile complex pharmacological reasoning with the practical realities of a patient’s daily life.

Medical students focused on identifying prescribing cascades — where a medication is prescribed to treat the side effect of another drug — and on adjusting regimens in the context of declining renal function. At the same time, nursing students advocated for the patient’s holistic needs and everyday challenges.

Commenting on the session, Dr Danny Alon Ellenbogen said: ‘The most important outcome of the session was seeing the teams develop a shared voice and work together to produce a single, patient-centred care plan that prioritised quality of life over polypharmacy. The level of engagement throughout the day also showed that when students learn with and from one another, patient care is strengthened’.

Dr Monica Nikitara added: ‘This activity gave students the opportunity to experience how collaborative practice works in realistic clinical settings. Bringing medical and nursing students together in multidisciplinary teams helped them appreciate the value of different professional perspectives and the importance of coordinated, patient-centred decision-making’.