Building Bridges: A European Perspective on Interprofessional Education, Practice, Policy and Research

This book builds bridges across hitherto siloed work in the vibrant field of interprofessional science. With a focus on the European continent, conceptual and empirical endeavours in interprofessional education, practice, research, and policy are sutured together in a unique and timely book. Contributors from across Europe, academicians and clinicians in equal merit, tackle the most pressing and exciting issues in what is to become a landmark moment in this young field of science. The book is structured over 15 chapters, each serving a distinct conceptual and practical purpose. Initially, the editors position the book in contemporary debates, making the case for its significance and need at this point in time. They seek out developments across education, practice, research, and policy silos, and call for a unified model of interprofessional care that is fit to drive the next generation of European initiatives. The chapters that follow each have a specific, complementary but distinct focus on the issues that challenge and excite the field; from practical developments, to cutting-edge innovations, and forward-looking concerns. Key threads from each chapter are revisited in the book's epilogue, sketching out lessons learned and developing a roadmap to guide future developments. This book is itself a bridging project; a driver and a device through which to foster a stronger community of interprofessional champions: health and social care professionals, educators, researchers, and policy makers. Champions that can challenge the status quo and bring about the radical changes needed in health professions education, practice, research, and policy; in Europe and beyond.