A simulated interprofessional rounding experience in a clinical assessment course

Area of Science:

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

Background:

• Interprofessional collaboration is crucial for effective patient care.
• Pharmacy students require training in teamwork and communication within clinical settings.
• Traditional clinical education may not fully replicate interprofessional dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a simulated interprofessional rounding experience for third-year pharmacy students.
• To assess the impact of simulation on interprofessional attitudes, satisfaction, and clinical confidence.
• To integrate a required interprofessional activity into a clinical assessment course.

Main Methods:

• Third-year pharmacy students participated in simulated interprofessional rounding with medical and physician assistant students.
• Teams cared for a standardized patient in an inpatient setting simulation.
• Student attitudes, satisfaction, and self-perceived clinical confidence were assessed via pre- and post-surveys.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in student attitudes toward interprofessional teamwork and communication were observed.
• Student satisfaction with the simulated rounding experience was high.
• Self-perceived clinical confidence increased post-participation, with mean team clinical performance scores of 65% and 75%.

Conclusions:

• Simulated interprofessional rounding is an effective strategy for enhancing pharmacy students' interprofessional attitudes.
• The educational intervention demonstrated high student satisfaction and improved self-perceived clinical confidence.
• Integrating simulation into clinical assessment courses positively impacts interprofessional learning outcomes.