Interprofessional Simulation Learning Game Increases Socialization and Teamwork Among Students of Health Professions...

Area of Science:

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

Background:

• Early interprofessional (IP) socialization is crucial for health professions students.
• Developing IP skills prepares students for collaborative healthcare environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare changes in IP socialization and readiness for IP teams among health professions students.
• To explore student experiences with the simulation game 'Friday Night at the ER' (FNER).

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods design involving students from 13 health professions programs.
• Students participated in discussions, played the FNER simulation game, and engaged in team debriefings.
• Data collected through gameplay, discussions, debriefings, and program evaluation.

Main Results:

• Significant increase in IP socialization across all student groups.
• Qualitative themes highlighted improvements in IP communication and systems-based thinking.
• Students highly valued the FNER experience for its effectiveness and professional development impact.

Conclusions:

• Interprofessional simulation experiences, like FNER with debriefing, enhance IP socialization.
• This approach effectively lays the foundation for developing essential IP skills in early-stage health professions students.
• Simulation games offer a valuable tool for fostering interprofessional competencies.