Which are the four IPEC core competencies and their primary focus areas?

• A. Collaboration; Patient Safety; Leadership; Evidence-Based Practice
• B. Communication; Coordination; Collaboration; Conflict Resolution
• C. Values/Ethics for Interprofessional Practice; Roles/Responsibilities; Interprofessional Communication; Teams/Teamwork
• D. Ethics; Legal Compliance; Policy Development; Quality Assurance

Answer: (C)

Interprofessional collaboration rests on four core competencies that guide how different health professionals work together to improve patient care. The four areas are values and ethics for interprofessional practice; roles and responsibilities; interprofessional communication; and teams and teamwork.

Values and ethics for interprofessional practice focus on shared principles that guide collaboration, such as commitment to patient welfare, respect for diverse perspectives, and ethical conduct across professions. Roles and responsibilities clarify what each profession brings to the table, the limits of each role, and how to assign tasks so care is coordinated and efficient. Interprofessional communication emphasizes clear, timely, and respectful information exchange, using shared terminology and feedback to prevent misunderstandings. Teams and teamwork center on functioning effectively as a collaborative unit—establishing common goals, mutual respect, coordinated decision-making, and constructive management of conflicts.

The correct choice lists these four competencies with their primary focus areas, reflecting the official IPEC framework. The other options mix in related but non-official competencies (such as collaboration, patient safety, or leadership) or omit essential elements like ethics, roles, or teamwork, so they don’t capture the complete IPEC framework.