Evaluation of distance facilitation and technology in an interprofessional simulation exercise

This paper explores two objectives: (1) effectiveness of interprofessional education facilitators utilizing distance technology to facilitate and debrief an interprofessional exercise with students located on the islands Oahu and Hawai'i Island (Hilo), and (2) impact of technology on the simulation experience for facilitators and students.

Four disciplines participated in an interprofessional hospital discharge exercise for the same geriatric patient case. Two questions administered to facilitators and students after each session focused on: (1) satisfaction with the students' ability to work through the simulation, and (2) satisfaction with the use of distance technology.

Results showed no significant differences when comparing students to facilitators for the students' ability to work through the simulation. Students gave significantly lower satisfaction scores with distance technology than faculty. There were no significant differences in scores among disciplines between either facilitators or students. Pharmacy distance students had significantly lower scores for satisfaction with the simulation exercise and for the role of distance technology compared to other students. Qualitative analyses showed trend improvements over five semesters in four technology areas; volume, noise, difficulty with clarity/understanding, and seating location/placement issues for the on-site group, but only significant improvement with clarity/understanding in the distance group.

Interprofessional simulation exercises can be successfully facilitated from both on-site and distance site without compromising students' ability to work through the exercise. Satisfaction with distance technology was lower for distance student groups.