Interprofessional simulation-based education enhances student knowledge of health professional roles and care of patients with tracheostomies and Passy-Muir® Valves

Abstract

An interprofessional simulation-based education activity involving speech language pathology, cardiorespiratory care, and nursing students was integrated into existing curriculum by an interprofessional faculty team.  Students were presented with a realistic acute care environment containing a high-fidelity simulator as the patient and standardized patient as the family member.  Small groups comprised of students from each discipline (nursing n = 60, speech language pathologists n = 17, respiratory therapists n = 24) worked together in an interactive simulation scenario that included evaluation of patient, tracheostomy care, and speaking valve placement, with an emphasis on interprofessional teamwork and patient communication. Based upon pretest/posttest results, including an attitudinal survey, enhanced knowledge and teamwork associated with health professional roles and responsibilities and the care of tracheostomy patients with speaking valves was found.