A method for providing high-volume interprofessional simulation encounters in physical and occupational therapy...

Area of Science:

• Allied Health Professions Education
• Simulation-Based Learning
• Interprofessional Education

Background:

• Growing emphasis on interprofessional education (IPE) in allied health.
• Simulation is a valuable tool for collaborative IPE.
• Challenges exist in simulating for large student cohorts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design, planning, and resource requirements for an interprofessional intensive care simulation.
• To present a methodology for maximizing student participation and resource use.
• To analyze student experiences in a large-scale simulation.

Main Methods:

• Designed and planned an interprofessional simulation of an intensive care setting.
• Developed a methodology to optimize resources and participation for 64 students.
• Conducted a 4-hour simulation involving physical and occupational therapy students.
• Performed qualitative analyses of student experiences.

Main Results:

• Successfully conducted an interprofessional simulation for 64 students within a 4-hour timeframe.
• Detailed the planning, cost, and support staff time required.
• Implemented a methodology to maximize student engagement and resource efficiency.
• Gathered qualitative data on student experiences.

Conclusions:

• Simulation is a feasible and effective modality for interprofessional education in allied health.
• The described methodology addresses challenges of large-scale simulations.
• Further research can explore optimizing simulation design for diverse healthcare settings.