Interprofessional Learning in Immediate Life Support training improves simulated patient related outcomes.

Aim of the studyTo assess team performance in implementing time critical key interventions during a simulated resuscitation after participating in either an interprofessional-learning (IPL) or uniprofessional-learning (UPL) Immediate Life Support training course (ILS). IntroductionMuch of the published work on team-based simulation training has measured the lower levels of Kirkpatricks hierarchy of evidence and effectiveness. This study aimed to ascertain if interprofessional team training could improve a higher level of outcome such as behaviour and patient outcomes. MethodsA retrospective quantitative analysis of time critical points in a simulated cardiac arrest resuscitation, from a previous randomised study on the effects of Interprofessional Learning in ILS. The video recordings from the original study consisting of medical (n=48) and nursing (n=48) students were analysed to mark when either the IPL or UPL team performed a time critical intervention. ResultsFive time-critical points for interventions were identified; confirmation of cardiac arrest, commencement of initial CPR, rhythm check, time to 1st shock and delay in restarting CPR. Parametric testing of each of these time-based criteria were subjected to an independent sample t-test with statistically significant findings in three of the five criteria in favour of those who had undertaken the interprofessional learning. ConclusionOur results demonstrate that through an IPL approach in ILS there was a statistically different improvement in mean times to performing time-critical interventions, which if transferred to the clinical environment could improve and impact on both change of behaviour and patient outcomes in Kirkpatricks higher levels of evidence and effectiveness. Though this study shows that team behaviour and performing time-critical interventions can improve in the short-term, we acknowledge that further longitudinal studies are required to ascertain the effect of such improvement over time. So that both as researchers and educators we can make healthcare teams work safer and more efficiently to improve patient outcomes. O_TEXTBOXWhat this paper addsO_ST_ABSWhat is already knownC_ST_ABSLike simulation, intuitively we know that Interprofessional Learning and Team training should make a difference to clinical practice for those involved. The majority of research reported, is measured at the lower levels of Kirkpatricks hierarchy. This retrospective video analysis of a previous study aimed to look at the functioning between interprofessionally and uni-professionally trained teams in performing time-critical interventions in a simulated cardiac arrest. What this study addsOur study suggests that the use of Interprofessional Learning in resuscitation training does have an effect on performance during the management of a simulated cardiac arrest which could improve and impact on both change of behaviour and patient outcomes in Kirkpatricks higher levels of evidence and effectiveness. C_TEXTBOX