Learning to Communicate Together: Perspectives on an Interdisciplinary Experience Among Nursing and Physical Therapist Assistant Students

Background: Interprofessional communication is imperative to quality patient care and improved outcomes as well as a requirement of nursing education programs, however, gaps exist between theory and practice. Often, students are not exposed to interprofessional interactions until later in the program when simulation experiences are offered or a clinical opportunity arises. Sample: 29 Bachelor of Science in Nursing and three physical therapist assistant students ranging in age from 18-35 years. Method An interdisciplinary communication role-play simulation among second year Bachelor of Science in Nursing students and first year physical therapist assistant students was implemented utilizing a situation-background-assessment-recommendation structured communication tool to facilitate and organize their communication. Results: A total of 15 out of 32 students reported an increase in confidence to communicate with other healthcare professionals after participation in the simulation. Conclusion: This experience provided evidence of the effectiveness of a collaborative simulated experience improving undergraduate nursing students' understanding and confidence with interprofessional communication prior to a clinical opportunity.