Healthcare students’ perceptions of a simulated interprofessional consultation in an outpatient clinic

Abstract

Newly graduated healthcare workers should appreciate the importance of teamwork and each profession’s unique role in a multi-disciplinary team. At Medunsa, an institution for higher education of healthcare professionals, each profession’s teaching occurs independently. This study explores the perceptions of healthcare students and their facilitators of a simulated interprofessional consultation. Eighty-two senior medical, occupational therapy and physiotherapy students participated in a simulated event over three separate sessions. A multi-disciplinary team comprising one representative per profession conducted the consultation, while the other students observed. Facilitators initiated reflection at the end of each session. Participants gained an understanding of the multi-disciplinary team’s functioning, the importance of professional skills and behaviour. The facilitators learnt how to improve on the simulation scenario and their facilitation skills. The introduction of interprofessional education events, where important skills and role clarification can be experienced in a non-threatening way, can benefit students and facilitators alike.

Keywords:

• interprofessional education
• multi-disciplinary teamwork
• healthcare students
• simulation

Acknowledgements

We appreciate the contributions of all the students and staff of Medunsa who participated in this research study.