Advancing Nursing Education: Piloting a Multi-Specialty IPE Transfusion Reaction Simulation

Abstract :

Background: Interprofessional collaboration is crucial to safe healthcare delivery, yet students have limited opportunities to learn interprofessional skills in low stakes but realistic practice environments. Interprofessional Education (IPE) Simulation based on TeamSTEPPS methodology provides students an opportunity to improve communication and teamwork skills while emulating real-world situations.

Methods: A blood transfusion reaction simulation using a hybrid model of standardized patient and high-fidelity mannequins was developed by faculty at UTMB in Galveston, Texas. A pilot study of 26 nursing, laboratory sciences, physical therapy and respiratory therapy students participated. Pre-briefing was conducted online via TEAMS one week before the event. Debriefing was conducted in-person immediately after the simulation. A modified Performance Assessment Communication and Teamwork (PACT) survey consisting of qualitative and Likert scale questions were administered before and after the activity.

Results: A Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare survey results (p < 0.001). Students (n=26) showed improved understanding of interprofessional collaboration concepts following the activity. 92.3% rated their experience as good, very good, or excellent. 100% agreed or strongly agreed they would recommend the simulation to a classmate. The most significant post-activity outcome was an increased awareness of the impact effective communication and teamwork has on patient outcomes.

Conclusion: This IPE simulation was successful in teaching communication and collaboration skills to novice clinicians and provided the opportunity for students to interact with other healthcare professionals in a realistic but safe environment. Future efforts will focus on improvements based on feedback and expanding the activity across programs.