Using interprofessional simulation to improve collaborative competences for nursing, physiotherapy, and respiratory...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Education
• Interprofessional Practice
• Respiratory Care

Background:

• Healthcare professionals in respiratory conditions routinely work in interprofessional teams.
• Interprofessional education is crucial for preparing students for collaborative practice.
• Simulation-based learning offers a safe environment for developing essential professional skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare two patient simulation methods for enhancing interprofessional competencies in nursing, physiotherapy, and respiratory therapy students.
• To assess the impact of simulation on communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, patient-centered care, roles, responsibilities, and team functioning.
• To evaluate student perceptions of interprofessional teamwork and patient involvement.

Main Methods:

• Quasi-experimental pre-post intervention design comparing two workshop formats.
• Interprofessional workshops involving nursing, physiotherapy, and respiratory therapy students.
• Patient simulation using either standardized patients, simulated patients, or a combination.

Main Results:

• Participants demonstrated improved self-reported interprofessional competencies (ICCAS) regardless of simulation method.
• Students reported effective communication and collaboration within their interprofessional teams.
• Participants identified a need for greater patient and family involvement in care planning.

Conclusions:

• Patient simulation is beneficial for developing interprofessional competencies in future healthcare providers.
• Both standardized and simulated patient methods effectively enhance understanding of diverse professional roles.
• Future interprofessional education should emphasize patient and family-centered care strategies.