Interprofessional Professionalism Collaborative
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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)  

  • 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.

Download the Interprofessional Professionalism Assessment (IPA) instrument and view the tool kit.

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