Interprofessional simulation education designed to teach occupational therapy and nursing students complex patient transfers

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to use interprofessional education to improve the knowledge and skill levels of nursing students regarding safe patient transfers, and occupational therapy students regarding safe handling of a patient's medical lines during transfers.MethodsA prospective mixed methods approach was used for data collection of an interprofessional education simulation experience centered on transferring a client with two or more medical lines.ResultsForty-nine nursing and occupational therapy students participated in the study. Significant increases (p < .05) in skill levels were found in all areas assessed, for both professions. Changes in IPE perceptions differed between the professions; however, both groups felt more respect from the other profession after the simulations.ConclusionsResults support that IPE can assist in improving skill levels, and is an important factor in teaching students how to communicate, collaborate, and learn from other health care professions.