[A lot in common].

Abstract

Since 1978, the Faculty of Nursing at Sherbrooke University has been offering courses that stress the interdisciplinary approach and the notion of teamwork. In the early 1980s, students were given the opportunity to participate in a pilot program, working as an interdisciplinary team and choosing their own clients. Three different disciplines took part: nursing, psychology and social science. In 1989 and again in 1990, nearly 200 medical students and more than 50 nurses were involved in a joint interdisciplinary project. The article recaps these experiences and describes the two programs recently put in place by the Faculty of Medicine, to benefit future nurses and doctors. The process is well under way towards planning a complete course of 45 hours, with six hours of joint experience already factored in. The teaching methods used in both programs are explained, the two-year program is evaluated, and conclusions and recommendations put forth.