Evaluating a simulation-based interprofessional education activity on disaster preparedness and management among health professions students.

Abstract

Background: Simulation-based education offers a risk-free platform to prepare future health professionals for interprofessional collaboration during high-stakes emergencies. This study involved the design, implementation, and evaluation of a disaster-focused simulation to enhance interprofessional competencies among health professions students.

Methods: An interprofessional education (IPE) simulation covering the four disaster preparedness and management phases (mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery) was conducted for undergraduate health professions students. Students, assessors, and standardized patients (SPs) participated in the evaluation. Data on interprofessional competencies were collected from students using the Team's Perception of Collaborative Care Questionnaire, from assessors using the Modified McMaster-Ottawa Scale, and from SPs using the Standardized Patient Team Evaluation Instrument. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize study variables. Paired sample t-tests were conducted to compare score differences between assessors. Learning curve across cases were tested using one-way repeated measures ANOVA, and associations between global scores and demographic variables were analyzed using t-test or ANOVA, as appropriate.

Results: Thirty-three students, 13 assessors, and 8 SPs participated in the evaluation. response rates were 33.3% (students), 92.9% (assessors), and 100% (SPs). Students self-reported positive perceptions of teamwork in the activity, with over 90% agreement across all domains. Assessors' ratings for the response phase corroborated these findings, with over 80% of students scoring at or above expectations in all domains. SPs' evaluations were also high, with 70% agreeing that students demonstrated positive interprofessional practice behaviors. For the diabetic ketoacidosis case, teams' global performance scores were calculated as the mean of the two assessors' ratings. Students with prior IPE experience (M = 2.42, 95% CI: 2.24-2.60) and those who had completed a prior practice placement (M = 2.48, 95% CI: 2.30-2.65) performed significantly better than students without IPE experience (M = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.80-2.33) or a prior practice placement (M = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.86-2.37). While not statistically significant, a trend towards improved performance across cases in the response phase suggested a learning curve effect.

Conclusions: Simulation-based IPE can strengthen interprofessional competencies for disaster preparedness and management, with greatest benefit when preceded by other IPE activities and clinical placements.