Interprofessional learning reduces adverse events, study finds

A systematic review found patients who were cared for by clinicians who participated in interprofessional learning were significantly less likely to experience an adverse event or die. Published recently in the Journal of Patient Safety, the study is the first to show significant quantitative evidence that interprofessional learning can change clinical practice and improve patient outcomes. A 13-study meta-analysis found the 7,166 patients treated by clinicians who participated in interprofessional learning were 28% less likely to die compared with the 6,809 patients whose clinicians did not participate. A 14-study meta-analysis found the 4,789 patients who received care from clinicians who had interprofessional learning were 23% less likely to experience an adverse outcome compared with 4,129 patients whose clinicians did not participate. (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Patient Safety Network article, 1/24/24)