A Curricular Innovation to Promote Interprofessional Collaboration

Abstract

Background: Interprofessional teamwork is a crucial competency in health professions education which improvespatient care. However, interprofessional education is not a widespread practice in medical schools. To address thisneed, we developed an educational pilot utilizing a standardized patient simulation to teach interprofessionalcommunication and teamwork to medical and nursing students. Methods: Ten teams of students consisting of afourth year medical student, a senior nursing student and a patient family member (portrayed by a standardizedactress) participated in a simulated scenario involving end-of-life decision making for a critically ill patient.Interprofessional teamwork and communication were essential to successfully determine next steps when a ‘codeblue’ was called. Results: This exercise was well received and medical students felt more prepared to work on aninterprofessional team after completion. Conclusions: Simulation is an effective method for teachinginterprofessional teamwork and communication to medical students and nursing students.