Sense of belonging is conceptualized as “…the experience of personal involvement in a system or environment so that persons feel themselves to be an integral part of that system or environment” (Hagerty et al. 1992). Within this frame, belongingness is an internal affective feeling or perception – a “sense” (of belonging). Moreover, scholars suggest that there are two defining elements to sense of belonging: a.) Valued Involvement – or the experience of feeling valued, needed, and accepted (stems from relationships and social connectedness within system/organization), and b.) “Fit” – or the perception that the individual’s characteristics articulate with the system/organization (stems from “match” between organizational identity/values and personal identity/values. Yet, there is minimal research as to how these elements are cultivated, triggered, internalized, and sustained within a system. Although it is fairly clear there are individual (micro) and organizational (meso), as well as socio-cultural (macro) factors at play, how these factors interact, their catalysts and hinderances remain relatively unknown. Finally, although sense of belonging is clearly a key ingredient for building cohesive and connected teams, minimal attention has been paid to sense of belonging in the interprofessional education and practice realms.
In this presentation, we discuss the tenets of sense of belonging, how it relates to promoting interprofessionalism among students and practitioners, and provide ways in which individuals can develop sense of belonging among their community and team-members within their own organizations.
In support of improving patient care, this activity is planned and implemented by The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education Office of Interprofessional Continuing Professional Development (OICPD). The OICPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
The National Center OICPD is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs). This program is eligible for Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.
Physicians: The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education designates this live activity for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with their participation.
Physician Assistants: The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME.
Nurses: Participants will be awarded contact hours of credit for attendance at this workshop.
Nurse Practitioners: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME and ANCC.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians: This activity is approved for contact hours.
Athletic Trainers: This program is eligible for Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
Social Workers: As a Jointly Accredited Organization, the National Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The National Center maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive continuing education credits.
IPCE: This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.
