Student Perceptions of a Live Standardized Patient Interprofessional Education Scenario: A Multi-Year Study

Area of Science:

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

Background:

• Simulation-based learning is effective for enhancing interprofessional education (IPE).
• Limited research explores occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) student perceptions of IPE and professional roles post-simulation.
• Standardized patient experiences offer a valuable platform for IPE.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) student perceptions of interprofessional education (IPE) and professional roles.
• To evaluate student experiences following a standardized patient simulation.
• To identify key themes influencing student outcomes and IPE design.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative component of a mixed-methods study involving 100 OT and PT students.
• Pre/post questionnaire design assessing interprofessional practice and professional roles.
• Inductive coding methodology applied to analyze qualitative data from simulated patient cases, group work, and discussions.

Main Results:

• Two primary themes emerged: student outcomes and IPE design.
• Student outcomes included enhanced understanding of scope of practice, team communication, and collaboration.
• IPE design factors influencing perceptions comprised team composition, curricular sequencing, and allocated time.

Conclusions:

• Standardized patient experiences shape student perceptions of IPE and professional roles.
• Modifications to the curricular timeframe and IPE experience design warrant further investigation.
• Findings provide insights for optimizing future interprofessional education initiatives in OT and PT programs.