A Simulated Interprofessional Team Conference Using Cross-Training for Junior Healthcare Students in Interprofessional Education: a Qualitative Content Analysis.

Purpose: In 2021, we introduced a new simulation-based learning program focusing on a roleplay conference before patient discharge. This study aimed to evaluate the program's effectiveness and highlight the significance of cross-training in interprofessional education (IPE).

Methods: In September 2023, the program included 346 students (98 medical, 110 nursing, and 138 pharmacy students). The students' reflective writing was analyzed using inductive content analysis to describe their learning and perspectives. The original items, subcategories, and main categories were extracted. The simulation involved the students role-playing various healthcare professionals during a discharge-planning conference for a stroke patient. This allowed them to experience the challenges and dynamics of interprofessional collaboration.

Results: Student feedback emphasized the importance of understanding what constitutes a good healthcare team. A total of 203 items were grouped into eight main categories and 17 subcategories, including patient-centered care (related to the importance of patient-centered care, supporting patient decision-making, communicating with patients during conferences, and facilitating decision-making processes), contrasts in patient and interprofessional communication, conference communication (challenge of building consensus, the way to proceed conferences, importance of conference preparation, and process of information aggregation and realization of outcomes), mutual recognition and role contribution, building relationships (importance of daily interprofessional communication), understanding one's profession (reflection on one's own profession, understanding the roles of different professions, and communication within one's own professional context), recursion into learning (motivation for continuous learning and improvement), and understanding other professions (understanding the role and perspectives of other professions and recognizing professional differences). Specific feedback highlighted improved empathy and communication skills. Students recognized the value of each profession's contribution to patient care. Moreover, students reported a deeper appreciation of patient-centered approaches and the complexities of coordinating care across different healthcare roles.

Conclusion: Simulated interprofessional team conferences using cross-training effectively taught junior students to understand the essence of a good healthcare team and the importance of a patient-centered approach. Cross-training significantly enhanced students' interprofessional competencies, communication skills, and empathy toward other professions. This case underscores the necessity of incorporating cross-training into IPE to prepare healthcare professionals for collaborative practice and improve patient outcomes. Future research should consider expanding the scope to include more diverse scenarios and longitudinal assessments to measure long-term impacts on professional practice.