Overview of Integrated Healthcare Professional

Many people throw the term ‘professional’ around so often that it seems to have lost its meaning. It is extremely important for oneself to deeply understand the role and importance of being a professional, and even further, becoming an Integrated Healthcare Professional (IHP) and so through the IHP framework one is able to do so. It is very easy to say, “Yes, I know what knowing, empathic and reflective mean”, but these three dimensions are not just something to be known, but also shown. You need to show, as an IHP, to not only your patients but also your co-workers that you can ‘be’ all three of these dimensions. One would think that clearly a Health Professional should have all the practical knowledge of their profession, this is correct however they also need to know the environment in which they work in i.e. the equipment (new or old), as well as the type of people and cultures they will be working with. In summary the key point of truly ‘knowing’ your profession, is lifelong learning. The empathic role of the IHP framework to me is the most important. How can you call yourself a Healthcare Professional if you can’t be truly sensitive and understanding of your patient? Treating the patient as you would want to be treated should be a subconscious task. A kind gesture or a simple act of gratitude towards your clients choosing you as their Healthcare Professional shows them you care. Lastly, the reflective dimension, you need to be someone a client can look up to knowing they are in safe hands, not someone for them to worry about. This is where the reflective dimension comes into play. Self confidence in present and past events in your life, whether it be positive or negative, is always something to reflect upon, therefore all e...

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...ow using knowledge, empathic and reflective dimensions play such a huge role in ones job and I can associate it with my prior experiences now. I want patients to walk out my room feeling like I have made a positive change in their life, whether it is small or big. Responsibility comes with playing such an important role in other people’s lives and it is how I embrace this responsibility that will determine how I change the lives of others. Not only do I want a good relationship with my clients but also with my co-workers because I might be able to make a small difference in someone’s life, but it’s us Health Professionals working together that will make the greatest difference.

Works Cited

olkers, L. Gibbs, T & Duncan, M. 2007. developing health science students into integrated healthcare professionals: a practical tool for learning. 'BMC medical education'. 7:45