Virtual Interprofessional Learning.

Abstract

Interprofessional education is a challenge given the current constraints of clinical education, which is bound by space, location, off-campus clinical rotations, and conflicting academic schedules. New approaches need to be developed if academic settings are to provide high-impact interprofessional education. Virtual Interprofessional (VIP) Learning was developed as an innovative, online, asynchronous learning platform utilizing avatars that engages learners in interprofessional clinical learning opportunities across disciplines and settings. Teams of interprofessional students worked together to complete a real-life case scenario focused on patient quality and safety using root cause analysis and interprofessional communication. Evaluation via focus groups, self-assessment survey, and a platform usability assessment found an increase in students' interprofessional knowledge, attitudes, and preference for virtual interprofessional experiences. VIP Learning is an innovative approach to advance interprofessional education from siloed, limited experiences to accessible and interactive opportunities that are not bound by time or place. [J Nurs Educ. 2018;57(11):668-674.].