The use of clinical simulation to develop interprofessional skills and understanding: Perspectives from allied health students

Introduction: Allied health professionals require skills in interprofessional collaboration to work effectively to achieve person-centred health outcomes. Simulated interprofessional experiences provide students with unique opportunities in a supported environment to develop the necessary skills required for future practice.
Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional study using a qualitative survey design was employed to understand the attitudes and perceptions of allied health students after completing a university based, cross-campus, interprofessional simulation experience.
Results: Over 200 students from four disciplines across three campuses of a regional Australian university were involved in a simulated experience that included a range of different interprofessional activities. Post-experience survey data from approximately 40% of students suggested that students perceived the experience had several positive learnings including a better understanding of their own and other professions; the value of interprofessional collaboration and teamwork in client care; increased confidence particularly in communicating with other health care professionals; and a broader understanding of health care including eHealth. The results also highlighted the challenges of implementing a project across multiple disciplines and campuses and provided useful suggestions to further improve the experience.
Conclusion: The findings of this research suggest that carefully developed and authentic interprofessional experiences through simulation can provide allied health students with the opportunity to develop valuable skills in communication and teamwork, as well as an emerging appreciation of the benefits of a coordinated team approach to person-centred health care.