An integrated communication and technical skills educational intervention in critical healthcare situations: A qualitative method.

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate a postgraduate educational intervention that integrates communication and technical skills in critical healthcare situations for interprofessional teams from the perspective of students and lecturers.

Methods: In phase 1, students and lecturers participated in the evaluation of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the Sim-IPE educational intervention included in a postgraduate program, generating a list of improvement actions. In phase 2, an expert panel prioritized the items on the list.

Results: Both groups addressed nearly identical themes, albeit with different points of view, allowing the panellists to have a broad vision of the issue. Students identified six themes: competence acquisition, pre-briefing, debriefing, fidelity, resources, and teaching team. Lecturers added a seventh theme related to how students systematically emphasize technical skills over communication skills, and the difficulties in balancing interprofessional groups and scenarios with students with varying professional experiences. A list of 23 improvement actions was generated. Panellists prioritized nine action points for improvement and grouped them into three categories (competitiveness of the program, aspects of the pre-briefing, and aspects of the debriefing).

Conclusions: The program is expected to promote Sim-IPE intervention through the master's degree website, generate a complete preplanned briefing script, and sensitize students to the relevance of integrating communication skills in critical situations. Academic institutions will achieve quality educational intervention that is updated and aligned with best academic practices and equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed academically and professionally.

Reporting method: This research has adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines, the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ 32-item checklist).

Patient or public contribution: Sixteen participants from a master's degree in emergencies and disasters and seven panellists completed the research.