An Innovative Model for Interprofessional Education and Practice: A Student-Run Interprofessional Clinic

Abstract

Interprofessional patient-centred care improves health outcomes and lowers cost of care. Despite this, students graduating from healthcare programs often do not receive adequate training to integrate into an interprofessional team. This commentary proposes that interprofessional student-run clinics should be integrated into formal health and human service curricula to serve as an innovative model to implement interprofessional education. A student-run clinic can offer needed services to underserved communities, thereby improving access to care for marginalized patient populations and provide a unique and important educational experience where students can learn about cost efficiency, patient advocacy, and collaboration while developing their skills in the management, monitoring and delivery of quality care.