Interprofessional Education for Social Work Students: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Study

This exploratory study aids understanding of the experiences of baccalaureate social work students participating in an interprofessional (IP) simulation and how the simulation would inform their future practice. This study used a nonrandom purposive sample of 32 undergraduate social work students from one midwestern university who attended one of three Team STEPPS seminar training days offered during three semesters. Postseminar surveys were completed, and conventional content analysis was used to analyze data. Three themes emerged regarding the first research question of understanding students' experiences in an IP environment: (1) benefits of IP collaboration, (2) social work as a big part of the puzzle, and (3) real-life learning. Three themes emerged regarding the second research question of these students' future practice: (1) communication, (2) self-confidence, and (3) knowledge gained. The results reveal the value of participation in IP simulation activities for undergraduate social work students and support the need for continued development and implementation of such activity.