The intent of interprofessional education (IPE) is for health professions students to train together before beginning professional practice. Development of synergistic relationships between disciplines builds trust, promotes patient safety, and improves patient outcomes. Traditionally, nursing and respiratory therapy programs have their own clinical rotations and schedules; they are parallel to one another and do not intersect for learning opportunities. This is a barrier to immersion experiences in IPE, and faculty must make concerted efforts to cross borders and foster IPE immersion experiences.
Nursing and respiratory therapy faculty at a midwestern university, from two separate campuses, created and implemented an immersion pilot IPE pediatric simulation experience. The training brought together pre-licensure nursing students and undergraduate respiratory therapy students for a single day of team training in the simulation laboratory. The training focused on the interprofessional education competencies (IPEC) of roles and responsibilities, team and teamwork, and communication. Discussions included “Speak Up for Safety,” which addressed IPEC competencies and patient safety, from high-reliability training. Learners also participated in two pediatric simulation cases using high-fidelity manikins and standardized patients as family members, followed by a large group debrief.
Learner perception of the training indicated 100% of the participants rated the training as highly valuable. The magic was the powerful positive reaction and reflection from standardized patients; their feedback indicated strong advocacy to repeat the training to reach more students. The event required a high degree of time and coordination to design, plan, and implement. Organizing the schedules of two different disciplines and standardized patients was a great challenge, but given the impact and learner response, the benefits outweigh the challenges.
When this training is offered again, faculty would implement more rigorous pre- and post evaluation measures for all involved, as well as invite other IPE partners to join in the training session.
In support of improving patient care, this activity is planned and implemented by The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education Office of Interprofessional Continuing Professional Development (OICPD). The OICPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
The National Center OICPD is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs). This program is eligible for Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.
Physicians: The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education designates this live activity for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with their participation.
Physician Assistants: The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME.
Nurses: Participants will be awarded contact hours of credit for attendance at this workshop.
Nurse Practitioners: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME and ANCC.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians: This activity is approved for contact hours.
Athletic Trainers: This program is eligible for Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
Social Workers: As a Jointly Accredited Organization, the National Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The National Center maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive continuing education credits.
IPCE: This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.
