EMERGING TRENDS IN HEALTH PROFESSION EDUCATION

Introduction: Health professions education (HPE) is that part of the education system which applies educational philosophy, theory, principles and practice in a complex relationship. The recent COVID-19 pandemic is one example of disruptive change to healthcare and education systems. Health professions educators responded rapidly to develop 'workarounds', resulting in some innovative practices that may be sustainable long-term. Aim: This study aims to reflect on and explore the emerging trends influencing health professions education. Methodology: The author conducted an extensive internet search, five databases were used in the search: Google Scholar, Research Gate, Sciences Direct, The Wiley Online Library, and PubMed. In the final phase, the author organized and interpreted their data with emphasis on the emerging trends influencing health professions education mainly post COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The eight trends identified for the future of health professions education are: 1. Interprofessional education to better prepare health professionals for future collaborative practice. 2. Longitudinal integrated clinical education that is the more patient, community, and chronic disease oriented. 3. Education in the social determinants of health and the social and humanistic missions of the health professions. 4. More emphasis on the continuum of health professions education for the life-long learning and long-term wellbeing of health professionals. 5. A shift to competency-based, time variable health professions education to better fulfil our social contract and to produce the m​o​s​
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