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A Mixed Methods Approach to Assess the Impact of an Interprofessional Education Medical Error Simulation
Colleen Marshall1, Jessi Van Der Volgen2, Nancy Lombardo2
1University of Utah, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Abstract:
Objective. To evaluate the impact of a single, half-day interprofessional education (IPE) simulation on disclosing medical errors, and to compare the impacts on pharmacy students with those on students from other health professional programs. Methods. A mixed methods approach was used to provide a comprehensive understanding of the immediate and persistent outcomes of a realistic medical error disclosure simulation. Anonymous pre- and post-simulation quantitative data were collected using a validated attitudinal survey instrument administered at the time of the simulation. To assess more sustained impacts of the simulation, uni-professional focus groups were held several months following the simulation. Results. The survey analysis showed that a significant positive change in attitudes towards teamwork, roles and responsibilities occurred in students in most of the professions represented, with pharmacy students experiencing positive changes across a wider range of interprofessional attitudes. The focus group results showed that there were persistent impacts across all professions on learners' knowledge, skills, attitudes, and confidence in disclosing medical errors in interprofessional teams. Conclusion. Mixed methods analysis of a high-fidelity IPE error disclosure simulation demonstrated that single IPE activities, if realistic, can have significant positive impacts on students' interprofessional attitudes and competencies, and increase confidence in conducting team-based error disclosures.
Insights
A single interprofessional education (IPE) simulation significantly improved health students' attitudes towards teamwork and medical error disclosure. Pharmacy students showed broader positive attitude changes, with lasting impacts on confidence and skills across all professions.
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.
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