A Simulated Interprofessional Team Conference Using Cross-Training for Junior Healthcare Students in...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Interprofessional Healthcare
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Interprofessional education (IPE) is crucial for preparing healthcare professionals for collaborative practice.
• Simulation-based learning offers a safe environment for students to develop essential skills.
• Effective patient discharge requires seamless interprofessional collaboration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a simulation-based learning program focused on roleplay conferences for interprofessional education (IPE).
• To highlight the significance of cross-training in enhancing students' understanding of teamwork and patient-centered care.

Main Methods:

• A simulation program involved 346 students (medical, nursing, pharmacy) role-playing healthcare professionals during a discharge-planning conference.
• Inductive content analysis of students' reflective writing was used to assess learning and perspectives.
• The simulation focused on a stroke patient's discharge to explore interprofessional collaboration dynamics.

Main Results:

• Student feedback revealed key learning categories including patient-centered care, communication contrasts, conference dynamics, mutual recognition, and understanding professional roles.
• Analysis identified 203 items grouped into eight main categories and 17 subcategories.
• Students reported enhanced empathy, improved communication skills, and a deeper appreciation for patient-centered care and care coordination.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based cross-training in IPE effectively teaches the core elements of good healthcare teams and patient-centered approaches.
• The program significantly improved students' interprofessional competencies, communication, and empathy.
• Incorporating cross-training into IPE is essential for preparing future healthcare professionals for collaborative practice and improving patient outcomes.