IT’S BETTER WITH A TEAM: A PT/OT INTERPROFESSIONAL LEARNING EXPERIENCE USING SIMULATION

Terry Auditorium

Objective. In an effort to promote coordinated interprofessional care in the acute-care setting, the Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) faculty created a cardiac simulation lab for second year students. Background. Interprofessional education (IPE) is a collaborative approach to develop healthcare students. IPE facilitates understanding of student’s own professional identity while gaining understanding of other professionals’ roles in patient care. Methods. Using the nursing simulation lab, groups of PT and OT students worked together with one student playing the role of patient. Each group developed and carried out a treatment plan based on a standardized case. The “SimMon” app was used on iPADs during the experience allowing faculty to manipulate and project the patient’s vital signs while the students carried out their treatment plans at bedside. The simulation experience required students to adapt their client interactions in response to changing vital signs. Pre and post surveys measuring understanding of the other profession were completed by the students. Results. The activity allowed students in each discipline to come to a clearer understanding of what the other does in acute care and how they can work together for the best patient outcomes. Pre and post surveys indicated students were able to better distinguish between the role of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy after the interprofessional experience. Survey results indicated students learned about the scope of practice of the other profession and learned that communication is key to effectiveness and efficiency. Conclusion. This experience accomplished the goal of interprofessional development. Grants. N/A