Nursing and Clinical Laboratory Science Cocurricular Interprofessional Education Simulation

ABSTRACT

The impact that interprofessional education has on health care professions is profound, which ultimately leads to better patient outcomes. Although clinical laboratory scientists and nurses work closely together within the health care team, there has been little to no research done on interprofessional education as students between these 2 professions. To address this, simulated hospital scenarios, based on patient cases and test results, have been created in a team role-play experience. The primary focus was to build on communication and collaboration between 2 disciplines: nursing students (n = 78) and clinical laboratory scientist students (n = 24).

The main research question focused on exploring if interprofessional education using a peer-peer problem-based learning approach enhances learning for cohort clinical laboratory science and nursing students. This mixed-methods approach utilizes pre- and postquantitative survey results on interprofessional professionalism and a qualitative reflection portion that incorporates professional development.

Results showed that the student’s readiness to participate and attitude improved following participation of the IPE simulation. Survey results also showed a significant increase in respect and understanding for each other’s profession following the interprofessional education (IPE) simulation. Students reported that the greatest benefit to this experience was in their communication skills using patient-case scenarios.

Creating an IPE simulation between nursing and clinical laboratory science students improved their understanding and attitudes of the other respective profession. Further evaluation of the impact of this exercise on learning outcomes is warranted.