Building patient safety culture by using interprofessional simulation with nursing, paramedic and emergency telecommunication students: A mixed-methods research study

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate student attitudes toward interprofessional education and collaborative practice and their perceptions of simulation design elements after participating in an interprofessional simulation educational activity.

Background: Patient safety continues to be an international healthcare priority. However, critical incidents to patients continue to persist due to poor communication between professionals and poor teamwork.

Design: A mixed methods design.

Method: The study sample consisted of Bachelor of Nursing (n=81), Paramedic (n=38) and Emergency Telecommunication (n=11) students randomized into interprofessional groups. Following the interprofessional learning experience, students completed two standardized self-reporting instruments, Students Perceptions of Interprofessional Clinical Education, National League for Nursing Simulation Design Scale and open-ended questions of their perceptions on teamwork and collaboration, communication skills, transfer of care and patient safety.

Results: Students in each program reported high scores for attitudes toward the importance of teamwork and collaborative practice. There were significant differences in scores between programs for the ranking factors 'Teamwork and Team-Based Practice' (BN=4.74 SD 0.72, PM=4.66 SD 0.81, ET=4.95 SD 0.15 *; p = 0.00005) and 'Roles & Responsibilities' (BN=3.78 SD 1.12, PM=3.55 SD 0.92, ET=4.67 SD 0.85*; p= 0.012). Themes included: communication and collaboration in teamwork; roles, responsibilities and leadership; patient-centred care and safety; and emotional dynamics and professional growth.

Conclusion: An interprofessional simulation is an effective strategy to practice teamwork and collaboration and communication skills during transfer of care. Ensuring earlier education of roles and responsibilities during transfer of care needs review as do strategies for structured handover communication tools.