Time to Open Health Professions Education: A Guide to Open Pedagogy in HPE

Abstract

This presentation introduces a collaborative initiative to create a practical guide on Open Pedagogy in Health Professions Education (HPE). Developed by an international team of students, early-career professionals, and educators, the guide addresses the lack of shared definitions and practical direction on openness in the field. It explores open pedagogy in HPE, the use and creation of health-related Open Educational Resources (OER), and strategies to foster advocacy and faculty engagement. This session will share the co-creation process, highlight key content, and invite HPE educators to see how open practices can take shape in their context—laying the groundwork for broader participation and future initiatives in the field. Health Professions Education (HPE) remains one of the least explored fields in open education. Yet, the need for adaptable, participatory learning models in HPE has never been greater. Our session introduces a collaboratively authored Open Pedagogy Guide for HPE—developed by an international team of students, educators, and early-career professionals—to bridge gaps in shared definitions, practical strategies, and advocacy for openness in the field. We will explore the guide’s development, highlighting its key themes: redefining open pedagogy in HPE, integrating health-specific OERs, & fostering faculty engagement. Attendees will gain insights into the co-creation process, including challenges and successes of coordinating across time zones, disciplines, and professional hierarchies. By showcasing this initiative, we aim to inspire educators to adapt open practices in their contexts, laying the groundwork for broader participation and future initiatives in the field