Alternative models for sharing common content across health curricula

There are obvious areas of common knowledge shared between healthcare professions. However, it can be logistically and politically difficult to introduce common units or modules into externally accredited undergraduate courses. As the Faculty of Health Science at the University of Tasmania expands its program offerings, instances of common curriculum content are set to multiply. Addressing this issue is resulting in a more flexible approach to sharing content which has initially been utilised for the introduction of new curriculum content on emerging health issues and reflecting demographic trends. Approaches currently in use vary from the introduction of common units, or parts of units (possible when new courses are developed), to the shared use of purpose-developed learning resources with identified common learning outcomes and interdisciplinary case studies (ultimately to foster interprofessional teamwork). A Faculty-wide Teaching and Learning Project has identified potential curriculum areas for the focus of new developments. Existing resources are showcased as models within the Faculty to encourage interdisciplinary discussion and collaboration in teaching and learning.