Virtual simulations, including screen-based simulations using 3-D virtual worlds (3-DVWs) have demonstrated improvement in participant knowledge, self-efficacy, and clinical reasoning,. Additionally, 3-DVWs enable students to practice skills in safe environments and provide opportunities for interprofessional collaboration not limited by geographic location. While benefits of 3-DVWs are well-documented, little attention has focused on the important area of student engagement and satisfaction. In this session, we report results of a continuous quality improvement (CQI) process focused on student satisfaction in the Alzheimer’s Virtual Interprofessional Training (AVIT).
AVIT is a 3-DVW program that teaches healthcare students importance of interprofessional teamwork in providing care for persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and their caregivers. AVIT consists of a series of three simulations that follow a woman with AD through progression of the disease over time and across the continuum of care. Simulations are conducted within the Second Life™ 3-DVW and have included students from medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and occupational therapy.
We used the Flexible Learning Model (FLM) as a framework for planning, implementing, and evaluating AVIT. The FLM comprises five components of flexibility that optimize customization of teaching and learning: time, content, entry requirements, instructional approaches and resources, and delivery and logistics. We focused specifically on instructional approaches and resources due to its relevance to student satisfaction. Within this area, we targeted three domains identified in the literature problematic for virtual simulations: navigation of the virtual environment, lack of realism, and technology challenges.
After attending this session, participants will be able to:
• Identify key areas of focus for addressing student satisfaction in 3-DVW IPE simulations
• Discuss specific quality improvement strategies targeting student satisfaction and engagement based on the FLM
• Apply findings of the CQI strategies used in the AVIT 3-D virtual world simulation to their own approaches to CQI for virtual simulations
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.
