THE IMPACT OF AN INTERPROFESSIONAL SIMULATION ON TEAM COMMUNICATION AT THE END OF LIFE

It is increasingly important that healthcare professionals understand how to care for patients at the end of life, especially as 75% of hospital deaths occur in the geriatric population. Many new healthcare profession graduates feel under-prepared to provide end-of-life care. Healthcare education programs must provide education on interprofessional communication and end-of-life care. This study explored the effects of an interprofessional end-of-life simulation on medical, social work, and nursing students’ communication skills. Across three simulation phases, teams were required to communicate with the patient (high-fidelity manikin), family members (scripted actors), and team members about treatment option, change in patient’s condition, and withdrawal of life-sustaining measures. A total of 16 teams participated in the simulation, with each team comprised of nursing students (n=7-8), social work students (n=1), and medical students or residents (n=1). Team communication skills were assessed using the Gap Kalamazoo Communication Skills Assessment Form. The average communication score for teams reflected fair to good communication (M=28.81, SD=5.55). The best communication domains were “Shares information” (n=8), “Communicates accurate information” (n=6), and “Builds a relationship” (n=5). The worst domains were “Demonstrates empathy” (n=7), “Provides closure” (n=6), and “Builds a relationship” (n=5). This simulation provides an interactive educational mechanism by which to educate interprofessional healthcare students on communication and care of patients at the end of life.