Reimagining Clinical Education: Interprofessional Simulation and Clinical Skill Readiness in Nursing and Occupational Therapy Curricula

Authors

• Gretchen Johnson, Texas Woman's UniversityFollow
• Linda Barnett, Texas Woman's UniversityFollow
• Lori Aaron-Brija, Texas Woman's UniversityFollow
• Emily Berkowitz, Texas Woman's UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: As the healthcare landscape evolves, education for health professionals must prepare future practitioners to meet emerging challenges and navigate diverse care settings. Integrating interprofessional education (IPE) opportunities within healthcare curricula supports the development of essential clinical skill competencies and collaboration across multiple disciplines. The Clinical Skill Readiness interprofessional model prepares students for successful clinical rotations by integrating assessment and skill development. Students develop vital interprofessional skills, with specific emphasis on communication, professionalism, and role clarity, all of which are essential for effective practice in a collaborative clinical setting. Methods: Nursing and occupational therapy students participated in timed treatment sessions within a simulated hospital environment, applying didactic knowledge to realistic orthopedic and neurological case studies. Prior to the program, students reviewed diagnosis information and communication tools, while faculty assigned them specific roles. Pre- and post-program surveys utilized the Interprofessional Collaborative Competencies Attainment Survey to assess students' perceptions of their clinical readiness. Results: The results demonstrated improved understanding of each profession’s roles and responsibilities, as evidenced by significantly higher post-program scores. Conclusions: This enhanced role-awareness supports more effective teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making in collaborative practice settings. Such findings further validate the idea that early exposure to interprofessional teamwork improves readiness for real-world clinical collaboration.

Author Bio(s)

Gretchen Johnson, OTD, OTR, CLT, is a TWU Assistant Clinical Professor with 20 years of diverse clinical experience.  She specializes in stroke, TBI, and adult physical dysfunction. Her research and service focus on Spina Bifida across the lifespan, as well as connecting interprofessional education and clinical readiness in the classroom.

Linda R. Barnett, OTD, OTR, IMH-E®, LSVT-BIG, is a TWU Associate Clinical Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator with 30 years of experience. Specializing in early-intervention pediatrics, she leads interprofessional events for nursing and OT students. Her research focuses on cultural humility, spirituality, and enhancing clinical readiness through collaborative learning.

Lori Aaron, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, is a TWU Assistant Clinical Professor and family nurse practitioner with 30 years’ experience. She specializes in clinical leadership, interprofessional education, and integrating generative AI into training. Her research includes women’s health, primary care, and simulation-based learning to prepare students for collaborative clinical practice. 

 Emily Berkowitz, PhD, MSN, RN, is a TWU Assistant Professor teaching undergraduate and graduate students. Specializing in community health and Adult-Gerontological NP courses, her clinical expertise spans emergency care to geriatrics. Her research focuses on interprofessional education, health disparities, patient education, and workplace environmental hazards in healthcare settings.

Acknowledgements

The authors used an artificial intelligence–assisted writing tool to support grammar and sentence clarity during manuscript preparation. All content was reviewed and edited by the authors, who take full responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of the manuscript. This study was reviewed by the Texas Woman’s University Institutional Review Board and was determined to be exempt from full review (IRB #IRB-FY2025-59). Participation in the evaluation components was voluntary.

Recommended Citation

Johnson G, Barnett L, Aaron-Brija L, Berkowitz E. Reimagining Clinical Education: Interprofessional Simulation and Clinical Skill Readiness in Nursing and Occupational Therapy Curricula. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Sep 01;24(3), Article 24.