While there are a multitude of approaches educators may take when designing curriculum focused on interprofessional education, we have chosen a focus on the simulated learning environment (SIM).  Participation in interprofessional education (IPE) SIM has been found to be an efficient and effective tool to enhance interprofessional learning, and provides students the opportunity to gain valuable exposure to patient situations and to practice skills in a safe environment (Masters et al., 2013). IPE SIM may be the bridge between disciplinary silos and be a means to practice collaborative care in a controlled environment (Bell & Freland, 2020).  

"Simulation enhances team training," (Murphy et al., 2015, p52).

IPE SIM can serve as the experimentation period in the experiential learning cycle, and post-simulation debriefing is an opportunity for reflection, allowing learners to determine how to apply lessons to future practice (Rudolph et al., 2014). 

"IPE-SIM promotes collaborative care and allows students to learn as they will practice, within teams," (Bell & Fredland, 2020, p142).

"Simulation-based experiential learning is recognized as an effective way to promote interprofessional education teamwork," (Decker, et al., 2015, p293, 294).  Participants report perceived improvement in:

1) Knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors related to teamwork; 

2) Appreciation of other professionals, their patient care roles, and skills; 

3) Awareness regarding the effective use of resources;

4) Communication and collaboration; 

5) Self-confidence as it relates to teamwork; 

6) Clinical reasoning; 

7) Shared mental model, and;

8) Understanding.

Image References

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