Using Standardized Patients to Teach Interprofessional Competencies to Dental Students

Area of Science:

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

Background:

• Interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) is crucial for effective healthcare delivery.
• Evaluating IPCP competencies in trainees requires innovative methods.
• Bridging the gap between oral health and general medicine is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop, implement, and evaluate a novel interprofessional standardized patient exercise (ISPE).
• To assess oral-systemic and IPCP components within the simulation.
• To evaluate teamwork skills of dental and doctor of nursing practice (DNP) students.

Main Methods:

• A simulation exercise involving DNP and dental students under faculty supervision.
• Standardized patient (SP) scenario with multiple chronic diagnoses and an oral-systemic component.
• Outcomes measured via SP/student self-evaluations and faculty assessment of videotaped interactions and documentation.

Main Results:

• Student teams scored highest on role/responsibilities, showing respect for diverse expertise.
• High scores were also observed in values/ethics, interprofessional communication, and teams/teamwork subscales.
• The ISPE effectively evaluated IPCP competencies.

Conclusions:

• The ISPE is an effective tool for assessing IPCP competencies.
• The exercise fostered respect for roles, improved teamwork appreciation, and enhanced communication.
• Findings support IPCP as a method to improve healthcare provider collaboration.