Interprofessional simulations to promote spring break safety and cultural awareness for healthcare students

Interprofessional simulation-based learning provides collegiate students with safe, realistic scenarios to learn and refine vital health related skills. This article describes an innovative project that engages college students from various disciplines in simulation-based activities to enhance health and professional knowledge, promote safety awareness, and improve cultural sensitivity. Additionally, the theme of traveling domestically and/or abroad during spring break provided a true-to-life backdrop. The Activity Theory provides the framework for this study emphasizing collaborative learning toward shared goals. Six spring break themed simulation scenarios were created and evaluated using a mix-methods design. Pre-posttest measures were conducted using the Student Perceptions of Interprofessional Clinical Education-Revised Instrument, and open-ended responses. Twenty-eight students completed the survey showing statistically significant change scores from pre-post. Qualitative findings identified three overarching themes of participants’ gains: 1) knowledge of other healthcare professionals’ roles, 2) healthcare professions’ contributions to patient care, 3) being respectful of other cultures, being prepared when traveling, and knowing how to improvise while traveling abroad. Students enjoyed a meaningful and engaging interprofessional activity while learning about one another’s professions, appreciating other healthcare professions’ roles, developing awareness and respect for other cultures, and practicing skills that may be needed during challenging encounters while traveling.