Multiprofessional education in undergraduate curricula can work

A multiprofessional educational programme about labour was introduced into the undergraduate curriculum for medical students and the diploma course fo r midwifery students. The students gained knowledge about labour and a bett er understanding of each other's role in the care of the labouring women. T he change in awareness of professional responsibility was greatest for medi cal students; it was evident in medical students taught in medical-student- only groups and also in those taught alongside midwives. Differences in pro fessional attitudes between the medical and midwifery students at the start of the course were less marked following completion of the course. The pro gramme was well received by both students and tutors; both groups advocated the use of mixed medical/midwifery teaching in other areas of the curricul a. We conclude that multiprofessional learning has a role in medical and nu rsing education when the intended educational objectives are clearly define d and the educational strategy and learning opportunities selected are appr opriate to the objectives.