Learning theories and their applications in interprofessional education (IPE) to foster dual identity development

Interprofessional teaching and learning is a key component of interprofessional education for collaborative practice (IPECP), which aims to prepare health professional students and practitioners to work effectively and collaboratively with each other and with patients to address the Quintuple Aim (better health, better care, better value, better work experience, and better health equity). However, interprofessional teaching and learning is complex and challenging, as learners come together with diverse professional knowledge, skills, and experience; potential preconceived notions and prejudices against each other, and diverse expectations and conditions in which learning will occur. As a result of this complexity, there is no one-size-fits-all IPECP intervention as the current literature and practice lack a clear, consistent theoretical foundation, and guidance for interprofessional teaching and learning. This article aims to critically analyze and apply the main four learning theories (behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and humanism) in interprofessional education (IPE). The article discusses the views of learning theories and explains the nature of interprofessional teaching and learning, and the process of designing and implementing interprofessional learning experiences that foster dual (professional and interprofessional) identity in developing future interprofessional practitioners.