Attitudes and Knowledge with Participation in an Integumentary Interprofessional Simulation Experience Between Nursing and Physical Therapy Students

Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida, USA

Objective: The objective of this study was to understand nursing and physical therapy students’ attitudes and knowledge of other disciplines before and after participation in an integumentary simulation experience. Background: Integrating interprofessional experiences early in healthcare professional programs is crucial to ensuring effective collaboration and communication in the clinical setting. Methods: 1st year Doctoral of Physical Therapy (DPT) and 1st year Bachelor of Science in Nursing Students (BSN) participated in a simulated clinical experience for an acute care patient with diabetes mellitus and a foot wound. Working together the BSN students performed a physical assessment, education, and appropriate nursing interventions. DPT students performed a skin/wound assessment, suggested offloading/pressure redistribution/shoe wear recommendations, assessed functional limitations/impairments, and planned appropriate PT interventions. Students completed a pre and post-test survey consisting of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) and several short answer questions. Results: Ten BSN and 49 students participated in the experience. The following questions on the RIPLS had statistical significance on a paired samples t-test (pConclusion: Students showed increased knowledge of the other profession and appreciated the opportunity for interprofessional learning. Grants: N/A