Interprofessional Education in a Pharmacology Course Using High-fidelity Simulation

Abstract

Background: The use of simulation in nursing clinical courses has become an expected teaching modality in most nursing education programs.  Traditionally, simulation in pharmacology courses has been minimal and nursing students have had limited opportunity to work in a collaborative manner with pharmacy personnel. Purpose: In an effort to improve understanding of pharmacology content and provide an interactive interprofessional learning activity between nursing (n=69) and pharmacy (n=77) students, a simulation on autonomic pharmacology using a SimMan 3G patient simulator was developed. Methods: Students completed pre and post-activity surveys to assess perceptions of the interprofessional simulation and impact on knowledge of pharmacology content. Results: Student perceptions were positive with strengths identified as the multidisciplinary approach, realistic nature of the simulation and the opportunity to work in a team environment. Ninety per cent of the students felt the simulation increased their pharmacology knowledge, although results did not show a statistically significant increase in knowledge scores. Students also indicated the simulation taught them how to apply pharmacology knowledge in a patient care situation. Implications: The study demonstrated that interprofessional high-fidelity simulation in a pharmacology course is feasible and perceived favorably by students. Further study is needed to assess the effect pharmacology simulation has on knowledge of content.