Assessment of interprofessional perceptions and attitudes of health professional students in a simulation laboratory setting

ObjectiveTo describe the interprofessional perceptions and attitudes of medical, pharmacy, and nursing students from separate universities involved in a human patient simulation laboratory experience.MethodsA survey instrument was administered to medical, pharmacy, and nursing students to determine if interprofessional simulation labs alter participants' attitudes and perceptions of each other.ResultsSurveys completed by 163 students were analyzed. Some significant differences in perceptions existed between medical and pharmacy students. Review of student comments contributed to understanding survey responses.ConclusionsThis interprofessional interaction in a simulation laboratory was perceived by health professional students from different universities to be a beneficial experience. Implementation of a similar interprofessional simulation could be considered by other colleges and schools of pharmacy, especially with those who are not part of a large, academic health center.