Impact of participation in an interprofessional acute care high-fidelity simulation for occupational and physical therapy graduate students

PURPOSE: There is insufficient evidence to support the use of interprofessional high-fidelity simulation (HFS) with occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) students. This pilot HFS aimed to provide students an opportunity to engage in interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) in the acute care environment. Researchers investigated student perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors relative to IPCP. METHODS: The HFS involved a patient following total hip replacement. Pre- and post-data were collected from surveys comprised of the Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale (ISVS)-9A and 9B, Simulation Design Scale (SDS), and open-ended questions. Descriptive, inferential, and thematic analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Twenty-one second-year graduate OT and PT students were recruited through convenience sampling to participate in this study. Statistically significant differences were seen with ISVS scores for all students. Students responded favorably to all SDS questions. Qualitative data yielded three major themes: 1) interprofessional communication and collaboration, 2) scope of practice, and 3) skill acquisition. CONCLUSION: HFS is a positively perceived, experiential learning strategy capable of building essential interprofessional skills and enhancing OT and PT students’ attitudes and beliefs toward IPCP.