A pilot evaluation of simulation-based interprofessional education for occupational therapy, speech pathology and dietetic students: improvements in attitudes and confidence

ABSTRACT

Many higher education institutions struggle to provide interprofessional practice opportunities for their pre-licensure students due to demanding workloads, difficulties with timetabling, and problems with sourcing suitable placements that provide appropriate practice opportunities. A series of complex unfolding video-based simulation scenarios involving a patient who had experienced a stroke was utilized as a case study for a three-hour interprofessional practice workshop. 69 occupational therapy (OT), speech pathology (SP) and dietetics (DT) students participated in a mixed-methods study comparing interprofessional attitudes before and after the workshop. Attitudes toward interprofessional practice improved pre- vs. post-workshop and overall. Students were highly satisfied with the workshops contribution toward learning, although OT and SP students were more satisfied than DT students. Focus groups confirmed students liked the format and structure of the workshop, suggested that students better understood the role of other professions and improved role clarification, increased their confidence to practice in interprofessional practice settings, but noted the experience could have been improved with the incorporation of nursing and smaller groups to better facilitate participation. There is widespread support for implementing interprofessional education (IPE) in the health sciences, yet widespread implementation is not yet a reality. This research suggests that a simulation-based, three-hour IPE workshop can have an immediate benefit on confidence and attitudes toward interprofessional practice for allied health students.

KEYWORDS:

• Evaluation research
• mixed methods
• interprofessional education
• interdisciplinary
• role clarity

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the clinicians who contributed to validation of the case study, with special mention to Associate Professor Deborah Hersh, Associate Professor Erin Godecke and Associate Professor Natalie Ciccone.

Declarations of interest

The authors have no declarations of interest to report.

Supplementary data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed publisher’s website.

Additional information

Funding

This research was unfunded.

Notes on contributors

Brennen Mills

Dr Brennen Mills is a Lecturer and active researcher in Paramedical Science and Public Health in the School of Medical and Health Sciences. Brennen is an active researcher and also serves as the Chair of the School of Medical and Health Sciences Ethics Subcommittee.

Sara Hansen

Sara Hansen is the Simulation Education Coordinator for the Edith Cowan University Health Simulation Centre.

Charn Nang

Dr Charn Nang is the course coordinator for the Bachelor of Speech Pathology in the School of Medical and Health Sciences at Edith Cowan University. She is a lecturer and researcher in speech pathology.

Helen McDonald

Helen McDonald is the course coordinator of the Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) course within the School of Medical and Health Sciences at Edith Cowan University.

Philippa Lyons-Wall

Philippa Lyons-Wall is the Associate Professor Nutrition and Dietetics within the School of Medical and Health Sciences at Edith Cowan University

Jacqui Hunt

Jacqui Hunt is a Lecturer in Neuroscience, Paediatrics and Neurological Rehabilitation in the School of Medical and Health Sciences at Edith Cowan University.  Jacqui also coordinates an Occupational Therapy paediatric student clinic through the Joondalup Community Clinical School.

Therese O’Sullivan

Therese O’Sullivan is an Associate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics within the School of Medical and Health Sciences at Edith Cowan University. Therese also leads a program of research investigating the potential health benefits of dairy fat in the diet. She is also involved in research into helping new mums with breastfeeding.