The WHPA brought interprofessional insights to the annual congress of FDI World Dental Federation, held on 12-15 September in Istanbul, Türkiye. Leaders of the five member organizations were invited to address delegates in a session on “Reforming health systems through interprofessional collaboration (IPC)”. Members of the dental profession at the congress took the opportunity to find out more about the principles guiding successful IPC, as set out in WHPA’s statement on IPC, and how closer collaboration with other health professionals can generate benefits for patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.
WHPA speakers addressed how IPC can improve health systems’ efficiency in times where resources are ever more stretched, and looked at the socio-historical perspective of collaboration between the health professions. They also highlighted some successful models of interprofessional collaboration, identifying barriers and facilitators, and the role of education and policy in sustaining effective interprofessional practices.
The final speaker, an industry representative, focused on the role of electronic health records in facilitating collaboration between the professions and the importance of standardized data fields across different digital systems.
Interprofessional collaboration is one of WHPA’s three strategic objectives included in its 2024-2027 Strategy.
Invited speakers
- Dr. Lujain AlQodmani (President, World Medical Association)
- Prof. Suh-Fang Jeng (Vice-President, World Physiotherapy)
- Mr. Luís Lourenço (Professional Secretary, International Pharmaceutical Federation)
- Dr Ryan Hungate (Chief Clinical Officer, Henry Schein One)
- Moderator: Prof. David Williams (Chair of FDI's Vision 2030 Implementation and Monitoring Expert Group)
[Update: Unfortunately the World Medical Association had to cancel its participation just prior to the event; the International Council of Nurses was not able to send a representative; FIP has recently updated its policy on interprofessional collaboration.]
Photo credit: Drazen Zigic