Incorporating Interprofessional Education to Distance Curricula Through Online Simulation: A Pilot Project

ABSTRACT

Simulation is a vehicle to develop Interprofessional (IP) Education (IPE) collaboration. In a situation where hands-on simulation is not possible, especially with online and distance programs, learning may happen through observation, active participation in debriefing, and self-reflection. With the need to develop IP activities for laboratory sciences distance learners, an IP simulation was designed to immerse students in IPE concepts by a mock scenario providing counseling regarding syphilis test results to a pregnant patient. Prereadings were provided and IP student teams were assigned. Teams prepared before experiencing a standardized participant encounter. Following the encounter, teams participated in debriefing where they reflected on the team performance. Students completed pre- and post-activity evaluations of self-assessments of the learner’s perceptions of IPE and the simulation, using a Likert scale. Students from pharmacy, genetic counseling, medical laboratory sciences, cytotechnology, physician assistant, and public health programs participated. Results from both face-to-face and online evaluations were compared. There was statistical significance between the pre- and post- assessment scores in simulation experiences (P < 0.01). Only 18% of participants strongly agreed with the statement they had the ability to “Learn with, from and about IP team members to enhance care” before the activity. After the activity, 91% of participants strongly agreed with the statement. Students agreed the simulation was a valuable educational activity. This project provides an IP team learning activity in both face-to-face and online formats, which highlights the role of medical laboratory sciences in contributions to patient-care decision making and develops the IP communication skills of future health professionals.