Investigating Healthcare Educators' Interprofessional Socialisation Following an Interprofessional Simulation...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare professions education
• Interprofessional collaboration
• Simulation-based learning

Background:

• Interprofessional socialization is crucial for effective collaborative patient care.
• Limited research exists on interprofessional socialization among healthcare educators in practice settings.
• This study addresses the gap by examining educators' socialization post-simulation facilitator training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interprofessional socialization of healthcare educators.
• To assess changes in interprofessional socialization following an interprofessional simulation facilitator training program.

Main Methods:

• An explanatory sequential mixed methods study design was employed.
• Quantitative data from program evaluations (n=87) were analyzed.
• Qualitative data from interviews (n=17) were collected and integrated with quantitative findings.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant positive shift in attitudes toward interprofessional socialization was observed post-training.
• Qualitative themes identified benefits, facilitators, barriers, and opportunities related to interprofessional socialization.
• Themes also explored the balance between interprofessional, uniprofessional, and combined approaches.

Conclusions:

• While attitudes towards interprofessional socialization are positive, consistent behavior across contexts needs further development.
• Interprofessional education initiatives can enhance interprofessional socialization among healthcare educators.
• Findings offer insights for fostering socialization within existing structures and creating new connections for educators.