Simulation education approaches to enhance collaborative healthcare: a best practices review

Interprofessional simulation can provide health profession program educators with an effective means to prepare future practitioners to engage in meaningful collaboration. This systematic review was conducted to identify best practice recommendations to enhance collaborative healthcare using interprofessional simulation education innovations for learners in pre-licensure nursing programs. Using a systematic review methodology, 375 articles were reviewed and 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. Based on the methodological strength of the research and the impact of the simulation innovations, the following simulation techniques were recommended: high-fidelity human patient simulators, role play, and didactic lecture and audience response didactic lecture, both followed by role play with a standardized patient. Instructor modeling was related to achievement of interprofessional competencies when compared to no modeling. Future research is needed to identify optimal timing for implementing interprofessional education innovations, for development of appropriate evaluation tools, and to determine the effects of collaborative practice on patient care.