Evaluating Interprofessional Teamwork during a Large Scale Disaster Simulation

Healthcare teams are essential today for positive patient outcomes (Zwarenstein, Goldman, Reeves, 2009). Currently, educators face the difficult task of incorporating as many interprofessional education (IPE) activities as possible to prepare students for the 21st century healthcare.  IPE Core Competencies have helped define our efforts.  However, finding instruments to measure those simulations are just as important.

In 2013, a Texas university’s IPE team came together to develop three instruments to measure IPE student simulations.  Specifically, these instruments measured IPE experiences during Disaster Day (an IPE simulation event held each year).  Each instrument captured the IPE Core competencies; however, each instrument evaluated a different area.  The three instruments included:

1. IPE Team Observation Instrument

2. Standardize Patient Team Evaluation Instrument

3. IPE Team’s Perception of Collaborative Care Questionnaire

In 2014, IRB approval was obtained to use the instruments to measure IPE activities during the 2014 Disaster Day Simulation (over 500 participants).  Data was collected and analyzed.  There were statistically significant differences (p<0.05) when comparing team perceptions and standardized patient perceptions.  The findings from this study can be used to further our knowledge in the evaluation process of IPE teams and ultimately improve patient outcomes.