Evaluation of Inter-professional Education (IPE) with medical, nursing
and pharmacy students through a simulated IPL Educational Intervention
Abstract
Introduction Inter-professional education (IPE) is becoming an integral
part of many professional programmes throughout the UK, ensuring health
professionals are competent to work as part of an inter-professional
team upon entry into their profession. IPE has become a fundamental
component of curriculum content in health and social care degrees. Aims
Research aim - to evaluate a simulated IPE intervention. Methods A one
day IPE intervention, ‘Evening On-Call’ was run involving nursing and
medical students and pre-registration pharmacists (student pharmacists
in year 5 of training) in an on-call setting. This IPE incorporated
manikin and actor patients in a simulated ward. During the intervention,
the 3 groups of students are assessed under observation on their
clinical, prioritisation and communication skills. Participants
perceptions of this intervention were evaluated by completion of a
questionnaire to capture their perceptions regarding the experience, the
pre-IPL briefing and post-IPL feedback and perceived relevance of this
training. Free text sections collected additional comments and a
follow-up questionnaire was sent six months later. Results Initial
questionnaire feedback was predominantly positive for each professional
group. The majority perceived the simulated IPL had given them a greater
understanding of other professionals’ roles, had enhanced their
professional confidence and would help them prioritise workload once
qualified. The 6 months follow up questionnaire supported the initial
questionnaire findings. Some responses highlighted participants believed
the simulated IPL had helped them work more effectively with other
healthcare professionals, communicate more effectively and better
prioritise their workload. There may be some evidence of sustained
self-reported effectiveness in teaching certain professional and
clinical skills to participants using this type of simulated
intervention.