Recognizing Key Contributors to Interprofessional Practice: SW and GI Nurses & Associates

Recognizing Key Contributors to Interprofessional Practice: SW and GI Nurses & Associates

In March, we honor two essential members of the healthcare team— Social Workers and GI Nurses & Associates —who play vital roles in patient care.

Social Workers

Social Workers are healthcare professionals educated to advocate, facilitate, advise, or counsel people, families, and communities in crisis or experiencing difficult situations to overcome the challenges they are facing to improve their well-being ultimately. They are beneficial for those from vulnerable populations. They can work in hospitals, social service agencies, schools, mental health clinics, and more. In the United States, the U.S. Cureau of Labor Statistics estimates that this profession will grow 7% between now and 2033. 

The theme for Social Work Month 2025 is Social Work: Compassion + Action. This month-long celebration began in 1963 when the National Association of Social Workers wanted to gain public support to recognize the social work profession's important work. By working with the interprofessional team, social workers offer valuable help addressing the non-medical needs of the patient. 

(Social Work Month, 2025)

GI Nurses & Associates

GI Nurses & Associates provides compassionate, evidence-based care to patients and their families during endoscopic examinations and those navigating complex digestive disorders. This year marks the 12th Annual GI Nurses & Associates Week (GINAW), which runs from March 16 to 22. 

GI nurses or Gastroenterology nurses care for patients with conditions or diseases affecting the following:

• Stomach, 

• Esophagus

• Intestines

• Liver

• Gallbladder

• Pancreas 

They will also assist physicians with patient care before, during, and after procedures such as endoscopies and colonoscopies. They also provide patient education on a variety of GI issues. They can be found working in both inpatient and outpatient settings. In the U.S., approximately 15 million colonoscopies are performed yearly (Gangwani et al., 2023). GI nurses can become certified for their knowledge and skills in caring for this patient population. 

The Four Core Competencies of Interprofessional Collaborative Practice and Interprofessional Education

As we mentioned in our last post, Recognizing Key Contributors to Interprofessional Practice: RDN & Doctors, the four core competencies were developed by IPEC to guide healthcare students in their learning to prepare collaborative-ready practitioners. These core competencies can then be used in practice. Each competency includes:

1. Values and Ethics	There are 11 sub-competencies, focusing on the team's ability to value and respect one another and value, uphold, and collaborate to promote diversity, health equity, and ethical interactions to achieve quality health outcomes.
2. Roles and Responsibilities	There are 5 specific sub-competencies for roles and responsibilities. The focus is on the team using their own discipline’s knowledge in collaboration with the other healthcare team members' expertise to deliver STEEEP (safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and patient-centered care) that includes determinants of health and cultural humility to improve health outcomes.
3. Communication	The 7 sub-competencies for communication again highlight the team’s individual qualities, yet quality healthcare can be achieved through active listening and working together using authentic, clear, constructive feedback to achieve the desired team goals.
4. Teams and Teamwork	Teams and Teamwork have 10 sub-competencies that outline how evidence-informed processes drive team dynamics, share accountability for outcomes, and facilitate an environment that produces safe, effective care and positive health outcomes.

To see the full list of sub-competencies, visit the following website: https://www.ipecollaborative.org/assets/core-competencies/IPEC_Core_Competencies_Version_3_2023.pdf and scroll to pages 22 - 25. This document also highlights how the sub-competencies have evolved over the years upon review by the 22 professional associations that comprise IPEC. 

As you collaborate with your healthcare team this week, take a moment to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of social workers, GI nurses, and Associates. Their expertise and dedication are crucial in achieving our shared healthcare goals. Even if it's been some time since your formal education, revisiting the core competencies of collaborative practice can enhance our collective efforts. Consider reviewing the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Core Competencies for a comprehensive overview. Embracing these principles fosters a more cohesive and effective healthcare environment.

References

Gangwani, M. K., Aziz, A., Dahiya, D. S., Nawras, M., Aziz, M., & Inamdar, S. (2023). History of colonoscopy and technological advances: a narrative review. Translational gastroenterology and hepatology, 8, 18. https://doi.org/10.21037/tgh-23-4

IPEC (2023). IPEC Core Competencies for Interprofessional Collaboratove Practice: Version 3. https://www.ipecollaborative.org/assets/core-competencies/IPEC_Core_Competencies_Version_3_2023.pdf

Social Work Month 2025. https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Social-Work-Month/Social-Media-Toolkit-for-Social-Work-Month-2025