Interprofessional Collaboration between Physical Therapist and Nursing Students Using an Acute-Care Simulation: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Aim: The primary aim of the study was to describe an interprofessional experience between physical therapist and nursing students involving an acute-care laboratory setting using simulated patients. A secondary aim was to present findings on student’s level of confidence in treating patients in an acute care setting. Methods: A convenience sample (N=51) was used for this within groups study to explore self-reported confidence and perceived benefits/challenges among physical therapist and nursing students at baseline and following a 90-minute acute-care simulated laboratory experience. Debriefing sessions took place immediately after the simulation. Students were provided a survey via Survey Monkey one-week prior to and within one-week postacute- care simulation. Questions were slightly modified from previously used scales assessing student confidence in simulated experiences and working interprofessionally. Results: A Wilcoxon signed-rank test determined that on average the students significantly improved their level of confidence from pre-test to post-test with all p values <0.05, ranging from p<0.001 to 0.019. Statistical analysis determined that students statistically improved their perception of working interprofessionally following an acute-care simulation. Conclusion: Interprofessional education that consists of active learning between professions is vital to improve quality of patient care. The results of our pilot study suggest that an acute-care simulation between physical therapists and nursing students demonstrated improved confidence in clinical skills and a better understanding of interprofessional care.