Definition of Interprofessional Professionalism
"Consistent demonstration of core values evidenced by professionals working together, aspiring to and wisely applying principles of*, altruism and caring, excellence, ethics, respect, communication, accountability to achieve optimal health and wellness in individuals and communities."
*Stern DT. Measuring Medical Professionalism. Oxford University Press. New York, NY;2006:19.
Evidence and Citation
Frost J, Hammer D, Nunez L, Adams J, et al. The intersection of professionalism and interprofessional care: development and initial testing of the interprofessional professionalism assessment (IPA). Journal of Interprofessional Care. 2018,1-15.
Interprofessional Professionalism Behaviors
COMMUNICATION: Impart or interchange of thoughts, opinions or information by speech, writing, or signs; “the means through which professional behavior is enacted.” (Arnold and Stern in Stern 2006)
RESPECT: Demonstrate regard for another person with esteem, deference and dignity . . . personal commitment to honor other peoples' choices and rights regarding themselves . . . includes a sensitivity and responsiveness to a person's culture, gender, age and disabilities . . . the essence of humanism . . . signals the recognition of the worth of the individual human being and his or her belief and value system.” (Arnold and Stern in Stern, 2006)
ALTRUISM AND CARING: Overt behavior that reflects concern, empathy, and consideration for the needs, values, welfare, and well-being of others and assumes the responsibility of placing the needs of the patients or client ahead of the professional interest.
EXCELLENCE: Adherence to, exceeds, or adapts best practices to provide the highest quality care.
ETHICS: Consideration of a social, religious, or civil code of behavior in the moral fitness of a decision of course of action, especially those of a particular group, profession, or individual, as these apply to every day delivery of care.
ACCOUNTABILITY: Accept the responsibility for the diverse roles, obligations, and actions, including self-regulations and other behaviors that positively influence patient and client outcomes, the profession, and the health needs of society.
- Works with members of other health professions to coordinate communication with patients/clients and family members.
- Demonstrates active listening with members of other health professions.
- Communicates respectfully with members of other health professions.
- Communicates with members of other health professions in a way they can understand, without using profession-specific jargon.
- Responds to questions posed by members of other health professions in a manner that meets the needs of the requester.
RESPECT: Demonstrate regard for another person with esteem, deference and dignity . . . personal commitment to honor other peoples' choices and rights regarding themselves . . . includes a sensitivity and responsiveness to a person's culture, gender, age and disabilities . . . the essence of humanism . . . signals the recognition of the worth of the individual human being and his or her belief and value system.” (Arnold and Stern in Stern, 2006)
- Demonstrates confidence, without arrogance, while working with members of other health professions.
- Recognizes that other health professions may have their distinct cultures and values, and shows respect for these.
- Respects the contributions and expertise of members of other health professions.
- Seeks to understand the roles and responsibilities of members of other health professions as related to care.
- Determines patient care roles and responsibilities in a respectful manner with members of other health professions.
ALTRUISM AND CARING: Overt behavior that reflects concern, empathy, and consideration for the needs, values, welfare, and well-being of others and assumes the responsibility of placing the needs of the patients or client ahead of the professional interest.
- Offers to help members of other health professions when caring for patients.
- Demonstrates empathy for members of other health professions.
- Models for other health professionals compassion towards patients/clients, families and caregivers.
- Places patient/client needs above own needs and those of other health professionals.
EXCELLENCE: Adherence to, exceeds, or adapts best practices to provide the highest quality care.
- Coordinates with other health professions and the patient/client, family and caregivers to produce an optimal plan of care.
- Reviews all relevant documentation from other health care professions prior to making recommendations to plan of care.
- Contributes to decisions about patient care regardless of hierarchy/profession-based boundaries.
- Works with members of other health professions to assure continuity of care for patients.
ETHICS: Consideration of a social, religious, or civil code of behavior in the moral fitness of a decision of course of action, especially those of a particular group, profession, or individual, as these apply to every day delivery of care.
- Interacts with members of other health professions in an honest and trustworthy manner.
- Works collaboratively with members of other health professions to resolve conflicts that arise in the context of caring for patients/clients.
- Discusses with members of other health professions any ethical implications of healthcare decisions.
- Reports or addresses unprofessional and unethical behaviors when working with members of other health professions.
ACCOUNTABILITY: Accept the responsibility for the diverse roles, obligations, and actions, including self-regulations and other behaviors that positively influence patient and client outcomes, the profession, and the health needs of society.
- Engages with members of other health professions in quality assurance/improvement activities.
- Seeks clarification from members of other health professions about unclear information.
- Accepts consequences for his or her actions without redirecting blame to members of other health professions.
- Works with members of other health professions to identify and address errors and potential errors in the delivery of care.
