A presentation from the Festival of Learning, 2010.
This project sought to enhance inter-professional student learning between the professions of children's nursing and occupational therapy through a simulated community scenario, using a problem based learning approach.
Modern healthcare places stringent demands on its professionals. This, in turn, impacts on the preparation of students for professional practice within higher education and has led to the exploration of techniques which offer safe but realistic experiential learning opportunities. This project sought to enhance inter-professional student learning between the professions of children's nursing and occupational therapy through a simulated community scenario, using a problem based learning approach. Preparation for the simulation involved the sharing of professional knowledge and skills within an inter-professional peer-led group. The use of digital media to capture the simulated scenario allowed students the potential of re-visiting the experience to deepen their understanding and enhance reflective practice. The University’s web based learning environment gave students unlimited access to their scenario and offered electronic group discussions to complement their face-to-face interactions. In terms of benefits to learning and teaching, the simulations appeared to engage the students at a deep level, and allowed inter-professional learning to take place in an enjoyable and supportive atmosphere.
Evaluation of the experience is discussed, from both the students and the staff, with future implications outlined, such as the extension of the initiative to other healthcare professions and the considerations necessary for wider implementation.
