Large-group, asynchronous, interprofessional simulation: Identifying roles and improving communication with student pharmacists and student nurses

Accreditation standards for health professions training programs continue to require interprofessional education (IPE) activities. Therefore, it is important for faculty collaboration to satisfy these requirements and provide meaningful, mutually beneficial opportunities for students to participate and learn. The medication use process is an integral component of nursing and pharmacy education. When feasible, asynchronous IPE activities that promote medication administration safety and facilitate equal contribution from involved students should be introduced into respective curricula. This study employed a retrospective, pretest-posttest design to measure confidence, satisfaction, and communication. The asynchronous simulation included first-year (junior) student nurses (n = 126) and first year (P1) student pharmacists (n = 152). The simulation focused on the role-related knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to accurately call-in, retrieve, and fill a prescription. Details regarding design, setting, participants, facilitation of the simulation, and barriers overcome are described. Descriptive statistics are provided for satisfaction and confidence, with changes in confidence analyzed using binomial probability confidence intervals. This IPE simulation was an efficient and effective model for introducing students to the specific activity of communicating prescriptions among key members of the interprofessional team. Students reported increased confidence and satisfaction with this activity, which supports future iterations of the asynchronous simulation. •97.7% of the students agree they can perform these skills in a clinical environment.•Both student pharmacists and nurses reported increased confidence and satisfaction.•This successful simulation led to an expanded version including upper-level students.