An elective, interdisciplinary health care case studies course

This manuscript describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of an elective, interdisciplinary case studies course involving pharmacy, nursing, dietetic, and health promotion/education students. Problem-based learning employing "hands on" teamwork in solving actual patient cases sensitized students to their professional role and those of other team members. Results demonstrated students' ability to work effectively in teams, and to generate ideas and achieve interdisciplinary consensus to solve patient problems. Students also demonstrated critical thinking skills and learned to function in a designated team role. The course fostered cooperation and an understanding that one profession cannot answer/address all of the patient's needs and each is integral to successful patient care.