Date Presented 03/22/24
This research explores the effects of interprofessional patient simulations on the self-efficacy and communication of OT, speech-language pathology, and nursing students. Integrating such experiences into academic curricula can enhance the transition into the workforce.
Primary Author and Speaker: Ann Potter
Additional Authors and Speakers: Morgan Dwyer, Melanie May, Cali Pawelski, Brooke Rossiter
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine how participation in interprofessional standardized patient simulations influences changes in self-efficacy and communication among healthcare students.
DESIGN: This quasi-experimental mixed methods design examined the effect pre- to post-interprofessional patient simulation on communication skills, self-efficacy, and self-perceived stress levels in OT, SL-P, and nursing students.
METHOD: Sixty-two health professional students (OT=22, SL-P=16, Nursing-25) participated in an interprofessional standardized patient stroke simulation. Participants completed the Self-Efficacy for Interprofessional Experiential Learning (SE-12) and Interprofessional Collaboration Scale (ICS) pre and post-simulation and an open-ended questionnaire on self-perceived stress levels post-simulation.
RESULTS: Each discipline group demonstrated significant changes in improved perceived self-efficacy (p<.001) and communication (p<.001) pre- to post-test. Analysis of the open-ended questions revealed a consistent pattern in reduced stress levels.
CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that IPE and simulated patient learning experiences can positively change communication skills, self-efficacy, and self-perceived stress levels. Participation in interprofessional standardized patient simulations allows students to apply didactic knowledge, enhance communication within interprofessional teams, improve confidence, and reduce stress in preparation for the workforce transition. These experiences set students up for early success, improving the quality of patient care.
References
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Anderson, E., & Bennett, S. (2019). Taking a closer look at undergraduate acute care interprofessional simulations: Lessons learnt. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 34(6), 772–783. https://doi.org/10.1080/13561820.2019.1676705
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