An analysis of interprofessional communication and teamwork skill acquisition in simulation

Abstract Background Communication and teamwork skills in interprofessional education are key competencies for ensuring safe patient outcomes. Simulation is a safe environment in which to foster and develop such skills. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate a program of communication and team skill development in a sequential set of interprofessional simulations for pre-licensure nursing and medical students. Method A prospective, repeated measures design was employed to determine whether team training at the beginning of a longitudinal interprofessional had an effect on subsequent performances in interprofessional communication and teamwork skills. Student teams engaged in an interprofessional simulation once a semester for four semesters. Discussion Targeted team training improved communication and teamwork skills in interprofessional nursing and medicine student teams. Conclusions Team training through simulation is an effective means to develop and sustain communication and teamwork skills in interprofessional student teams.