The effect of interprofessional simulation practice on collaborative learning: A randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT

This study examined the effect of simulation on readiness for collaborative practice and learning using a randomized-controlled trial design that used the same education protocol with interprofessional and uniprofessional groups. The sample consisted of 43 students from four different majors. The students were assessed with the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale, and a care plan measurement instrument. The interprofessional group showed a small increase (0.1 ± 0.43; p = .02) in readiness for teamwork and collaboration; the uniprofessional group showed a smaller increase for teamwork and collaboration (0.04 ± 0.31; p = .04) and for patient-centred care (0.0 ± 0.35; p = .01). The enriching work of interprofessional learning was evident within the care plan activity, suggesting that interprofessional simulation is an effective learning method for interprofessional education.

KEYWORDS:

• Interprofessional education
• realistic simulation
• teamwork
• collaborative practice
• health occupations students

Acknowledgments

We thank the Centro Universitário Euro-Americano (UNIEURO) for granting the simulation laboratories, especially Jakelyne Feitosa da Silva and Jessica da Silva Santos for their collaboration during data collection.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/13561820.2022.2147153

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the FAP/DF Fundação de Apoio a Pesquisa do Distrito Federal. under Grant [03/2018].

Notes on contributors

Alexandra Daniela Costa Marion

Alexandra Daniela Costa Marion, RGN, MSc, is a professor at the nursing school in Centro Universitário Euro-Americano (UNIEURO) in Brasília and coordinator of the Education Program in Simulation at UNIEURO.

Leonardo Costa Pereira

Leonardo Costa Pereira, PhD, is a professor for undergraduate physical education at Centro Universitário Euro-Americano (UNIEURO) in Brasília. Leonardo develops research on gerontology and interprofessional education.

Diana Lucia Moura Pinho

Diana Lucia Moura Pinho, PhD, is a professor at the Nursing school at Universidade de Brasília (UnB) and at the Post-graduation Program in Science and Health Technology. Diana is the coordinator of the Interprofessional education research group in UnB.