Abstract

The complex challenges in current society require that professionals learn about different aspects of communication that are currently studied separately in different disciplines. Integrating these different disciplinary perspectives on communication can enhance the communication skills of future professionals. The present study examined the added value of interdisciplinary learning in healthcare communication, tailored to a student’s home discipline. We conducted nineteen semi-structured, individual interviews with students of medicine and communication and information sciences who participated in an interdisciplinary course in healthcare communication. We systematically analyzed the interviews using the “constant comparative analysis” technique. The results showed that students’ communication skills were enhanced. Furthermore, students gained skills in perspective changing. Students changed their perspective on communication in terms of (1) its scientific base, (2) value, and (3) applicability. Three specific aspects of the interdisciplinary course contributed to achieving these learning outcomes: (1) freedom to explore; (2) a combination of educational forms; and (3) insight and reflection. Interdisciplinary learning in healthcare communication could be an innovative addition to communication education, as it contributes to students’ communication skills and broadens their perspective on communication. The current course can serve as a guide to further develop interdisciplinarity in communication education. Furthermore, this study provides empirical support for the positive effects of interdisciplinary education on boundary crossing and perspective changing skills.