Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2026
Publication Title
Nurse Education Today
Keywords
nursing practice, health science education, interprofessional collaboration, interdisciplinary collaboration, simulation-based training, nursing education, standardized participants, simulation, interprofessional healthcare education
Abstract
Background
Interprofessional collaboration is essential in today's healthcare landscape. Simulation-enhanced interprofessional education provides intentional opportunities for healthcare professionals and students across fields of study to gain different perspectives about roles and responsibilities while practicing interprofessional communication skills.
Objective
To evaluate how students' prior interprofessional education training, the use of standardized participants, and the field of study influenced students' perceived knowledge acquisition and satisfaction after an adaptable simulation-enhanced interprofessional education experience.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing a convenience sample, which included 182 nursing and health science students from a public university in the Midwest. Surveys measuring interprofessional knowledge and satisfaction were analyzed using Wilks' Lambda MANOVA and Cronbach's alpha.
Results
The use of standardized participants significantly enhanced students' interprofessional knowledge (p < .001) and satisfaction (p < .001). While prior interprofessional education experience contributed to knowledge gains (p = .019), it did not significantly impact satisfaction. Differences between fields of study were not a significant factor. High internal consistency across survey instruments supports the reliability of these findings.
Conclusion
This simulation-enhanced interprofessional education was effective in improving both student knowledge and satisfaction, regardless of field of study. Standardized participants contributed significantly to the learning process. This model serves as an effective method for institutions seeking to embed interprofessional collaboration into their educational programs.
Funding Source
The authors express their appreciation for the funding support provided by the Center for Integrated Professional Development at Illinois State University. The authors received a University Teaching Grant to cover the cost of the $10 Amazon gift cards for participants.
DOI
10.1016/j.nedt.2025.106952
Recommended Citation
Wright, V.M., Joseph, A.R., Pence, P.L., Watkins, S. (2025). The impact of simulation-enhanced interprofessional education on student knowledge and satisfaction: A multivariate analysis across fields of study. Nurse Education Today 158: 106952. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2025.106952
Comments
This is the accepted manuscript of an article first published in Nursing Education Today. The version of record is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2025.106952