Interprofessional patient simulations enable students to learn with, from, and about each other while working together in a safe environment. Research indicates simulation experiences provide an opportunity for students to communicate effectively, apply professional roles, and increase their competency in patient care. Further, the ability to apply IPEC Core Competencies (CCs) in a simulated clinical setting prepares students for collaborative practice. Ultimately, the perspectives of students from multiple healthcare professions enable the team to focus on what matters most, the comprehensive management of patients, including identifying and addressing non-clinical factors that impact health, such as Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). The University of Toledo’s Interprofessional Education (IPE) Program includes an acute care patient simulation experience in spring semester where first-year healthcare students apply what they learned about the CCs and SDOH in fall semester. In 2022, 606 students from 9 healthcare professions completed the patient simulation in teams of 4-6 students. Teams worked together to complete a mobility task and gather information for discharge planning. Each team then de-briefed with a facilitator to discuss how well the CCs and non-clinical factors were addressed. Survey results revealed over 93% agreed or strongly agreed the experience improved their knowledge and skills in each of the 4 CCs. Additionally, 94% agreed or strongly agreed it was an effective learning experience to prepare for future collaborative practice. Key themes that emerged from a qualitative analysis included: safe “practice” setting, applying knowledge, realistic, clarifying roles, and “teams DO work”. Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory asserts that integration of knowledge is strengthened through active participation in concrete experiences, such as simulations, particularly when followed by reflection. The outcomes of this experience support the use of our acute care patient simulation to further develop the CCs and non-clinical skills for interprofessional teams of first-year healthcare students.
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.
