Distanced Large Group Simulations as a Learning Method for Interprofessional Collaboration

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Education
• Digital Learning
• Interprofessional Collaboration

Background:

• Digitalization is transforming healthcare education, necessitating effective distance learning strategies.
• Successful online education relies on strong communication, digital pedagogy, and student engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore participant experiences with online large group simulations for interprofessional collaboration learning.
• To assess the suitability and effectiveness of digital simulation methods in healthcare education.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods design involving 100 health and social care students and professionals.
• Online questionnaires with Likert scale and open-ended questions.
• Quantitative data analyzed with descriptive statistics; qualitative data with inductive content analysis.

Main Results:

• High participant satisfaction with online large group simulations for interprofessional collaboration (mean = 4.42).
• Over 90% viewed it as a good learning method suitable for interprofessional collaboration and promoting teamwork.
• Digital communication tools enhanced interaction, but preference was for a single tool over simultaneous use.

Conclusions:

• Distanced large group simulations are a valuable method for learning interprofessional collaboration in healthcare education.
• Digital tools can effectively facilitate collaborative learning, though optimal implementation requires consideration of user preference.