Interprofessional Learning for Nursing Students during a Mass Casualty Incident Simulation

Abstract

Introduction

Traditional nursing education often lacks interprofessional collaboration across different levels of education. The Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) provides competencies to foster such collaboration. Updates by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) emphasize interprofessional partnerships and population health.

Method

This mixed-methods study involved senior nursing students in a simulated mass casualty incident (MCI) with paramedic students and standardized patients. Pre- and post-surveys measured students' perceptions and preparedness, supplemented by qualitative data from open-ended survey questions. The simulation included Sort, Assess, Life-saving interventions, Treatment triage training and a structured debriefing session.

Results

A total of 35 (62.5%) students completed surveys. Post-simulation, significant improvements were observed in perceived preparedness (p = .00) and team engagement (p = .02). Qualitative analysis identified four themes: Art of nursing, Lived experience of a nurse, Teamwork, and Triage, highlighting enhanced communication and teamwork skills.

Conclusions

The simulated MCI effectively improved students' preparedness and interprofessional collaboration skills, though leadership and critical thinking, showed nonsignificant statistical changes. Future simulations should address design limitations to better reflect real-world dynamics and enhance interprofessional interactions.