Beyond the Classroom: Impact of an Interprofessional Exertional Heat Stroke Simulation on Knowledge and Confidence

Authors

• Hannah L. Stedge, Weber State UniversityFollow
• Amanda Hawkes, Utah Tech UniversityFollow
• Melani Kelly, Utah Valley UniversityFollow
• Behle Burns, University of UtahFollow
• Sara Beaudry, Noorda College of Osteopathic MedicineFollow

Abstract

Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to examine the impact of a high-fidelity exertional heat stroke (EHS) live broadcasted simulation on the knowledge and confidence of a multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals attending an interprofessional continuing education conference. Methods: Participants were eligible for this study if they were a credentialed athletic trainer, physician, or emergency medical services professional. Participants attended an interprofessional symposium on EHS which included didactic training sessions followed by a live broadcasted EHS simulation and group debrief. Participants completed the 29-item survey instrument modeled after the Emergency Medical Services Knowledge of Exertional Heat Stroke Questionnaire before and after the symposium. Frequencies and percentages were utilized to report participant demographics. A Mann-Whitney U test was utilized to compare participants’ confidence with recognizing and managing EHS before and after the educational intervention. A series of Fisher’s exact tests identified any significant changes in participants’ EHS knowledge of the diagnostic criteria and treatment for EHS. Results: Twenty-six participants completed the demographic questionnaire, 23 completed the pre-educational intervention survey, and 33 completed the post-educational intervention survey. Due to a high baseline knowledge of our participants, there were no statistically significant improvements in confidence or knowledge levels, although we did notice a trend in confidence and knowledge improvements. Conclusions: While baseline knowledge was high, moderate improvements in confidence and selected knowledge areas suggest simulation remains a valuable tool for maintaining readiness in rare but life-threatening emergencies. Healthcare professionals are often seeking more active-learning continuing education opportunities. Therefore, an interprofessional simulation-based continuing education may serve as an effective strategy to reinforce evidence-based EHS management practices among practicing clinicians.

Author Bio(s)

Hannah L. Stedge, PhD, ATC is an Assistant Professor in Athletic Training and Occupational Therapy at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah.

Amanda Hawkes, DAT, ATC, NRP is an Assistant Professor in Health and Human Performance at Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah

Melani Kelly, PhD, ATC is an Assistant Professor in Exercise Science and Outdoor Recreation at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah

Behle Burns, ATC, BCS-O is an Athletic Trainer at University of Utah Orthopaedics

Sara Beaudry, PhD, ATC is the Director of Interprofessional Education and Student Wellness Education at Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine

Recommended Citation

Stedge HL, Hawkes A, Kelly M, Burns B, Beaudry S. Beyond the Classroom: Impact of an Interprofessional Exertional Heat Stroke Simulation on Knowledge and Confidence. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Sep 01;24(3), Article 11.