A Study of Interprofessional Collaboration in Undergraduate Medical Laboratory Science and Nursing Education

Tanya S. Beard; Tamara M. Robertson; Jane R. Semler; Carolyn J. Cude

doi:10.29074/ascls.28.2.83

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Tanya S. Beard, DNP, RN
1. Austin Peay State University, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Clarksville, TN
Tamara M. Robertson, DNP, APN, FNP-BC
1. Austin Peay State University, Department of Allied Health Sciences P.O. Box 4668, Clarksville, TN
Jane R. Semler, MS, MT(ASCP)⇑
1. Austin Peay State University, Department of Allied Health Sciences P.O. Box 4668, Clarksville, TN
Carolyn J. Cude
1. Austin Peay State University, Department of Allied Health Sciences P.O. Box 4668, Clarksville, TN

Address for Correspondence: Jane R. Semler, MS, MT(ASCP), Austin Peay State University, Department of Allied Health Sciences P.O. Box 4668, Clarksville, TN 37044, 931-221-7796, semlerj{at}apsu.edu

Abstract

Interprofessional collaboration in the healthcare setting has been identified as an essential component for decreasing medical errors. Interprofessional collaborative education (IPE) may ease the transition of this requirement into clinical practice. Smaller colleges and universities without medical schools or associated teaching hospitals may have spatial barriers and time constraints that interfere with the implementation of IPE. To address this need the authors constructed a realistic interdisciplinary simulation exercise for nursing and medical laboratory science (MLS) students. Three simulation groups totaling approximately 90 undergraduate students were studied over the course of three semesters. The authors arranged Deliberate Student Engagement (DSE) activities requiring student collaboration. To determine outcomes of the students' experience a pre- and post- Likert scaled survey tool was used. Data suggesting the benefits of collaborative educational exercises in the healthcare professions is presented. Details are also provided to assist colleagues at similar institutions in arranging interprofessional simulation exercises.

ABBREVIATIONS: MLS-Medical laboratory science, IOM-Institute of Medicine, AACN-Association of Colleges of Nursing, NAACLS-National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, NLN-National League for Nursing, DSE-Deliberate Student Engagement