Blending interprofessional education and simulation learning: A mixed-methods study of an interprofessional learning experience with nursing and occupational therapy students

Abstract

In aiming to train health professional students to collaborate in patient care settings, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the perception of registered nurse (RN) students and occupational therapy (OT) students jointly participating in an interprofessional education (IPE) patient simulation learning experience. Eighty-five RN and OT students engaged in a 3-hour IPE patient simulation in an acute care hospital setting. Each student participant completed a pre- and post-test data collection, assessing interprofessional socialization using the Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale (ISVS) Version 9A and provided qualitative feedback about their experience. Findings indicated a significant change in interprofessional socialization for RN and OT students after engaging in the IPE patient simulation learning experience. Furthermore, qualitative findings described the perceived benefits of IPE and collaboration, simulation as a learning tool, and areas for enhancing IPE patient simulation education for the future. Study findings have implications for using simulated IPE experiences with health professional students to foster interprofessional collaboration and socialization with the goal of delivering person-centered quality healthcare.