Fostering collaborative practice through interprofessional simulation for occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dietetics, and nursing students

ABSTRACT

Literature regarding simulation for learning interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) indicates a need to include a range of health professions and to focus on students’ development of team communication and conflict resolution skills in day-to-day healthcare delivery. This study evaluated the impact of interprofessional simulation for occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dietetics, and nursing students on interprofessional collaboration competencies, specifically collaborative communication and conflict resolution during day-to-day interactions, and their intention for IPCP during placement. A series of simulations featuring the potential for interprofessional conflict and involving explicit coaching on communication and conflict resolution were conducted. A single cohort pre-test post-test design included the Students’ Perceptions of Interprofessional Clinical Education Revised (SPICE-R), the Interprofessional Collaborative Competencies Attainment Survey (ICCAS), and an open response survey question on future intended practice. A total of 237 students participated in the simulation experience. Overall scores and scores on all IPCP competencies in the ICASS (n = 193) and SPICE-R (n = 226) improved for all professions post-simulation. The mean score of the ICCAS increased for 98% of the respondents and similarly the mean score of the SPICE-R increased for 71% of the respondents. Open-ended responses indicated students’ intentions to pursue self-leadership in IPCP. Students who participated in an interprofessional simulation reported perceived improvements in IPCP competencies and were encouraged to initiate IPCP when on placement in the practice setting.

KEYWORDS:

• Conflict resolution
• Health professional education
• Interprofessional collaborative communication
• Interprofessional collaborative practice
• Interprofessional education
• Simulation

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Shrishti Subodh Tandale who contributed to the research during their participation in the 2021 Winter Research Program, at The University of Queensland.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Notes on contributors

Jodie Copley

Jodie Copley, PhD B Occ Thy (Hons) is Professor and Head of Occupational Therapy in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The University of Queensland. She is a Fellow of the Occupational Therapy Australia Research Academy and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Romany Martin

Romany Martin, PhD, is Lectuer in Physiotherapy in the College of Health and Medicine at the University of Tasmania.

Clare Dix

Clare Dix, PD PhD is a Research Fellow in the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences at The University of Queensland. She is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Project Manager for the Nutritious Tools project creating the Grow & Go Toolbox – a digital platform for the first 2000 days.

Roma Forbes

Roma Forbes, PhD, MHSc, BHSc (Physio) is a Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy at The University of Queensland, a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a HERDSA Fellow.

Anne Hill

Anne Hill, PhD BSpThy is an Honorary Associate Professor in Speech Pathology in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The University of Queensland and an academic consultant. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Allison Mandrusiak

Allison Mandrusiak, PhD, BPhty (Hons) is Associate Professor of Physiotherapy and Director of Teaching and Learning at The University of Queensland. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Adriana Penman

Adriana Penman, PhD; BSpPath; BEd (Primary) is a Senior Lecturer in Speech Pathology and the Acting Director of Teaching and Learning in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The University of Queensland. She is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Freyr Patterson

Freyr Patterson, PhD, BOccThy, MPH is a lecturer in Occupational Therapy at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The University of Queensland and a registered occupational therapist. She an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Sarah Davies

Sarah Davies, MOccThy BSc (BioMed) is an Associate Lecturer in Occupational Therapy in the School of Health at the University of the Sunshine Coast, a PhD candidate in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The University of Queensland. She is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Jacqueline Jauncey-Cooke

Jacqueline Jauncey-Cooke, BN, MN, PhD is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work at The University of Queensland.

Niruthikha Mahendran

Niru Mahendran, PhD, BPhty(Hons) is a Lecturer in Physiotherapy at The University of Queensland.

Kelly Hooper

Kelly Hooper, Masters of Health Pfofessional Education, BNursing, is a Clinial Academic in the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work at The University of Queensland

Cheryl Collins

Cheryl Collins, MDietSt, is an Associate Lecturer in Dietetics in the Shool of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences at The University of Queensland.