The three-shift simulation project, interprofessional communication for the sake of patient safety

Background

A common factor contributing to patient harm is ineffective communication between health care professionals. Many undergraduate nursing programs teach students to identify signs of early patient deterioration and communicate concerns via a phone to medical officers using simulation. These simulations rarely involve the physical presence of medical students where direct communication can occur.  This led a university in Tasmania, Australia, to design a three-shift interdisciplinary simulation.

The initiative

The simulation involved nursing, medical and pharmacy students working together across three different shifts collaboratively whilst caring for a deteriorating patient.  Throughout each shift students would communicate with each other and respond to the unfolding patient situation. To guide educators through the simulation, a tool kit was developed to enable replication of the simulation and ease in delivery. The tool kit would include a user guide, rules of engagement, handouts on the significance of the simulation, and guides for each learner playing different roles including cue cards.

Evaluation of data

Following ethical clearance, the simulation was evaluated by willing participants who completed a survey post the simulation. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis.

Evidence of outcomes

With a 95% response rate, findings indicated that the simulation helped participants develop their clinical reasoning skills, clinical decision-making abilities, recognize patient deterioration early and practice communicating with other healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Three shift simulation is a simulation designed to promote interprofessional communication. The tool kit enables the replication of the simulation across multiple campuses and potentially to other nursing programmes.