A Mixed Methods Approach to Assess the Impact of an Interprofessional Education Medical Error Simulation

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Simulation
• Interprofessional Practice

Background:

• Medical error disclosure is crucial for patient safety and healthcare quality.
• Interprofessional education (IPE) aims to improve collaboration among healthcare professionals.
• Simulations offer a safe environment for training in complex clinical scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a half-day interprofessional education (IPE) simulation on medical error disclosure.
• To compare the effects of the IPE simulation on pharmacy students versus students from other health professions.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining pre- and post-simulation surveys and focus groups.
• Anonymous quantitative data collected via validated attitudinal surveys.
• Qualitative data gathered through uni-professional focus groups several months post-simulation to assess sustained impacts.

Main Results:

• Significant positive shifts in attitudes towards teamwork and professional roles were observed across most student groups.
• Pharmacy students demonstrated enhanced interprofessional attitudes compared to other health professions.
• Persistent positive effects on knowledge, skills, attitudes, and confidence in disclosing medical errors within interprofessional teams were noted.

Conclusions:

• A single, realistic interprofessional education (IPE) simulation can positively influence students' interprofessional attitudes and competencies.
• IPE simulations enhance confidence in performing team-based medical error disclosures.
• IPE is effective in preparing future healthcare professionals for collaborative practice and transparent communication.