Interprofessional, simulation-based training in end of life care communication: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Communication
• Interprofessional Training

Background:

• Effective communication is crucial in end-of-life care.
• Interprofessional education (IPE) can enhance healthcare professional collaboration.
• Simulation-based training offers a safe environment for skill development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot interprofessional, simulation-based training for end-of-life care communication.
• To evaluate the impact of this training on final year healthcare students.
• To assess student perceptions of interprofessional learning benefits.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 50 final year medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, and pharmacy students.
• Learning methods included role-play observation and facilitated group discussions.
• A Likert scale questionnaire assessed the impact on knowledge, skills, and confidence.

Main Results:

• Students reported positive perceptions of interprofessional learning and its benefits.
• Statistically significant improvements were observed in self-perceived knowledge (Z = -5.887, p = 0.000).
• Participants noted enhanced confidence and competence in managing end-of-life communication.

Conclusions:

• Interprofessional, simulation-based training shows promise for improving end-of-life care communication skills.
• The training fostered positive attitudes towards collaborative learning among students.
• Further economic evaluation is recommended due to the labor and resource-intensive nature of the program.