Taking a closer look at undergraduate acute care interprofessional simulations: lessons learnt.

We report on an evaluation of final year healthcare student UIPSims, focussed on safe practice using a mixed methods study. The evaluation combines traditional methods with direct observations of students. Students completed a pre and post-course questionnaire with scored and free text questions and in addition an ethnographer observed the UIPSims supported with video recordings. Final year students participated (medical, nursing, operating department practitioner, pharmacy; n = 230). The scored questions were significant (p < .01) with student comments confirming the value of the learning. The observations identified strengths and weaknesses. The students were professional and patient-centered, but were unable to function as a team, communicate effectively for shared decision making or recognize and highlight patient safety concerns. The facilitators mainly guided rather than facilitated proceedings. Despite having completed a theme of interprofessional education (IPE) designed to develop team working abilities, final year healthcare students were unable to function as a student team in order to apply theory to practice. The findings highlight how an interprofessional simulation at the end of an undergraduate curriculum offers a litmus test on student readiness for teamworking. The findings support an IPE curriculum with a set of theoretical principles aligned to a set of team working skills in readiness for participating in an UIPSims. In addition, facilitators should ...
Source: Journal of Interprofessional Care - Category: Health Management Tags: J Interprof Care Source Type: research