Large-group simulation as a learning method to promote interprofessional collaboration and older adults' patient centered-care.

Abstract

This study described the influence of a large-group simulation on social and health care students´ working life competence concerning interprofessional collaboration (IPC) and patient centered-care. The target group (n=319) was social and health care students from several different degree programs taking part in a large-group simulation concerning older people´s oral health as a part of his comprehensive well-being and health. Data were collected with a questionnaire containing background questions,statementsabout interprofessionalpractice and open-ended questions about learning experiences. The number of respondents was 257, including 51 oral health care students (OHCS). The data were analyzed using descriptive and statistical methods and content analysis. Working life competencies covers the overall social and collaborative skills which health-care professionals need in their work. They were reported to be improved in IPCandpatient-centered care (PCC). The main described learning experiences in open responses included appreciating different professionals' competencies and the importance of interprofessional decision-making, interpersonal communication competence and patient-centered attitudes in care provision. The large-group simulation is a good model for educating larger student groups simultaneously and it functioned well in improving understanding of IPC and PCC among older adults.