Teaching Interprofessional Collaboration Skills with Medical and Social Work Students through Simulation

An interprofessional pulmonary standardized patient simulation case was used for medical and social work students to work together using motivational interviewing. Following the case, 68 medical students and 20 social work students responded to open-ended questions eliciting reflection on the encounter. Using thematic text analysis, results indicated students learned how different professions approached healthcare issues and communicated to patients, the importance of collaboration, and the need to be patient-centered with an integrated care approach. This case met all four Interprofessional Education Collaborative Competencies. Our results suggest interprofessional standardized patient simulations can assist students in addressing substance use using a team-based approach. With barriers such as time, instructor availability, and limited funding for interprofessional activities, meaningful high-yield activities are essential.