Using simulation-based interprofessional education to change attitudes towards collaboration among higher specialty...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Professional Development
• Interprofessional Practice

Background:

• Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) is crucial for patient safety.
• Effective interprofessional education (IPE) models in postgraduate medical training require further investigation.
• Simulation-based IPE (SB-IPE) is a potential strategy to enhance IPC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an SB-IPE intervention on postgraduate trainees' attitudes toward IPC.
• To explore participants' perceptions of IPC and the SB-IPE intervention.
• To identify mechanisms driving attitudinal changes in interprofessional settings.

Main Methods:

• A multi-site, non-randomized mixed methods study involving higher specialty trainee (HST) physicians and registered nurses (RNs).
• Intervention: Paired HSTs and RNs completed six simulated scenarios based on intergroup contact theory.
• Data Collection: Jefferson Scale of Attitudes toward Interprofessional Collaboration (JeffSATIC) pre/post intervention and focus groups.

Main Results:

• Overall positive attitudinal change towards IPC (p < .001).
• Greater attitude improvement observed in HSTs (p = .001) compared to RNs (p = .12).
• Significant increase in "working relationships" attitudes for HSTs (p < .001).

Conclusions:

• SB-IPE effectively improved attitudes towards IPC and professional relationships among trainees.
• Mechanisms for change included shared vulnerability, positive affirmation, and navigating professional hierarchies.
• Further research is needed on long-term impact and practice transfer.