Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Training in Enhancing Interprofessional Collaboration in Rural Healthcare Settings:...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Education
• Interprofessional Collaboration
• Rural Health

Background:

• Interprofessional Education (IPE) is crucial for developing healthcare professionals' collaborative skills.
• Rural healthcare settings present unique challenges for implementing and assessing IPE.
• Existing literature needs synthesis to understand IPE's impact on competencies in these specific contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the impact of simulation-based Interprofessional Education (IPE) on interprofessional competencies.
• To specifically assess these impacts within rural healthcare contexts.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed.
• Searches were conducted across major databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Scopus.
• Six studies, totaling 212 participants, met the inclusion criteria for analysis.

Main Results:

• A significant, large, and consistent improvement in collaborative competency (ICCAS scores) was observed (pooled SMD 1.25, 95% CI 0.95-1.54, p < 0.0001).
• No heterogeneity was detected for the primary outcome, indicating robust findings with moderate GRADE certainty.
• Positive effects were noted in teamwork and communication subdomains, though heterogeneity was high in these areas.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based IPE demonstrates a substantial positive impact on interprofessional competencies, particularly collaborative skills, in rural settings.
• The findings support the integration of simulation-based IPE to enhance healthcare professional collaboration in underserved areas.
• Further research may be needed to address heterogeneity in specific skill domains.