Interprofessional Simulation in a Digital World: Teaching Collaborative Practice in Web-Based Environments

Abstract

Interprofessional education (IPE) is difficult to implement for many reasons. The Excellence in Interprofessional Simulation Education is an effective in-person IPE program that pivoted to a teleconferencing format. We conducted 40 simulations with 800 students representing nursing, advanced practice nursing, medicine, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, medical dietetics, speech and language pathology, and social work in an academic year. Months of careful planning to recreate all aspects of the in-person activity in a web-based environment, create roles and duties, and conduct simulation dress rehearsals were necessary for success. Students who participated rated the simulations as highly effective.

Keywords: Educational technology; Feedback; Interdisciplinary communication; Interprofessional education; Nursing education; Patient care team; Patient simulation; Simulation training.