Transdisciplinary simulation: learning and practicing together.

The Institute of Medicine, partnering with national private foundations, has challenged existing approaches to health care delivery and patient safety by suggesting a sweeping redesign of the entire U.S. health care system. This article explores the historical and philosophic imperative to change health care education to a seamless transdisciplinary model to foster interprofessional communication and collaboration during the formative training years. To improve patient safety and quality of care and reduce medical error, students in health care disciplines will need to be educated together to practice together effectively.