Let's work together, let's learn together

Summary: The problems of providing health care are discussed in relation to multidisciplinary clinical teams. The difficulties of working in effective multidisciplinary teams are explored, as are the potential benefits for patients who are cared for by the health professionals in these teams.

The methods of education and training for health care professionals are discussed and the problems including practice shock are identified. Methods of minimising the effects of these problems are assessed.

A review of policy making for health care professionals' education and training is provided, with reference to its relationship with general and higher education.

Problems caused by a lack of policy making are discussed. Finally, the various health care professions are assessed relating to the issues of professional power and the process of professionalisation: The opportunities for shared learning are outlined and the views of professional bodies examined.

This is the first of two papers exploring multidisciplinary education for health care professionals. The second paper, to be published in the next issue, presents the results of a study into this subject.