Multidisciplinary learning in continuing professional education: The heart health Nova Scotia experience

Ongoing professional learning is essential for all health professionals. This need is increased as community-based, multidisciplinary approaches to the delivery of health care and to health promotion and disease prevention emerge. A pilot educational program was developed to test a model of multidisciplinary learning in heart health. A multidisciplinary professional education committee jointly developed a case-based educational program to include physicians, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, social workers, and recreation professionals or health educators. The program was developed in the context of primary health care; specific objectives were developed using a health promotion framework. Problem-based learning was selected as the educational approach, and the cases were developed to incorporate program objectives. Three communities participated. Ten to 12 participants met for 2 hours weekly across 4 weeks to discuss problems concerning individuals at high and low risk for cardiovascular diseases and heart health in their community. The project evaluation involved direct observation, review of documentation, pre- and postprogram questionnaires, and individual interviews. In each site, the project met its goals; however, goal achievement varied across communities. The sessions provided an opportunity to learn about the roles and contributions of other health professionals; they created the basis for future collaboration, and they stimulated extensive discussion about heart health resources in each of the communities involved. We conclude that a multidisciplinary approach to planning and development of such a project is feasible, and that multidisciplinary case-based learning is an effective means of acquiring new understandings and promoting health professionals' collaboration in addressing heart health in their communities.