Enhancing Interprofessional Education (IPE) Through Cross-Disciplinary Learning (CDL) in Hong Kong Healthcare Students: Insights from an Overseas Service-Learning (OSL) Program to Taiwan

Introduction: This study examines the impact of cross-disciplinary teaching methods, collaborative projects, and interdisciplinary curriculum design on IPE among occupational therapy (OT), physiotherapy (PT), and health sciences (HS) students at a health care tertiary education institution. Methodology: 32 students (7 OT, 19 PT and 6 HS) and 35 students (6 OT, 27 PT and 2 HS) attended an Overseas Service-Learning Program to Taiwan organized in the year 2024 and 2025 respectively. Students participated in clinical visits to hospitals (including OT and PT departments), elderly care homes (with varied care models and interdisciplinary approaches), and university (including academic departments, and research laboratories). A community service component was included in the trip to facilitate interaction with elderly residents to promote the interpersonal skills, empathy, and adaptability of the participating students. Learning outcomes were evaluated by the qualitative reflections in a structure questionnaire and the feedback collected at the de-briefing sessions held during the visit. Results: The analysis highlights exploration, enhanced collaboration, cultural competence, and practical skills development. Recommendations for future programs emphasize the integration of cross-disciplinary pedagogical strategies to prepare students for collaborative healthcare environments. Conclusion: The IPE through CDL in OSL not only has positive impacts on the students but also the teachers going on the trips. The appreciation from the community partners and the students was more than any encouragement that a teacher received.